A prominent German parliamentarian has lauded the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of tariffs on trade partners of Iran, signaling a hardening of transatlantic policy towards the Tehran regime. Norbert Röttgen, a leading voice within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and former Foreign Minister, characterized the proposed tariffs as “a very effective measure” poised to further erode the economic foundations of the Iranian leadership.
Trump’s plan, targeting trading relationships with a 25% tariff, has been described as a significant escalation of pressure. Röttgen stated this represents a “very painful” threat, compelling nations engaged in commerce with Iran to meticulously evaluate the long-term benefits against potential economic disruption. He specifically highlighted that the tariffs are likely to disproportionately impact major oil importers, particularly China, currently the recipient of approximately 80% of Iran’s oil exports.
While acknowledging potential repercussions for Germany and the European Union, Röttgen appeared relatively sanguine. He suggested European imports to Iran have already dwindled to a “very small volume” largely restricted to essential medical supplies. Recent figures reveal a substantial decline in German exports to Iran, dropping 25% between January and November 2025 to €871 million – a figure comparable to the trade volume with the microstate of Liechtenstein. The reinstatement of the “Snapback” mechanism concerning Iran’s nuclear program last autumn is predicted to further shrink trade volumes. Röttgen explicitly advocated for a cessation of all non-essential trade, emphasizing the prioritization of humanitarian aid.
Beyond economic pressure, Röttgen has taken a provocative stance on internal EU policy, demanding increased transparency regarding member states obstructing the designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. He expressed bewilderment at the continued resistance, arguing, “I really see no reason why one would still oppose it”. He asserted that all EU nations should prepare for the regime’s imminent downfall.
However, Röttgen’s assertive stance and optimistic predictions have drawn criticism. Luise Amtsberg, a Green Party politician and shadow foreign minister, has sharply criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) for what she perceives as insufficient action and reckless pronouncements concerning the situation within Iran. She strongly condemned Merz’s forecast regarding the regime’s imminent collapse as premature and demanded tangible support for Iranian citizens demonstrating against the current government.
Amtsberg underscored the urgent need to restore internet access for Iranian civil society, facilitating communication, coordination of protests and critical documentation of human rights abuses. She criticized Merz’s public declarations as speculative and called for a more proactive approach, including intensified diplomatic pressure to secure the EU’s formal listing of the IRGC as a terrorist entity. Furthermore, she urged Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) to accelerate the intake of human rights defenders and institute a moratorium on deportations.
Chancellor Merz himself, during a recent trip to India, echoed Röttgen’s sentiment, suggesting the widespread protests suggest the regime is nearing its end. His assertion that “regimes that can only stay in power with violence are de facto at the end” underscores a growing consensus within some German political circles regarding the trajectory of the Iranian government, though it continues to be a subject of significant debate and, more importantly, a litmus test for practical and effective policy responses.
