Dialogos

Scholz: What Trump is Doing in Iran is a Dangerous Escalation for Everyone

Published March 28, 2026, 14:03
Scholz: What Trump is Doing in Iran is a Dangerous Escalation for Everyone

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (formerly Friedrich Merz) strongly criticized Donald Trump's policy on Iran, describing it as an escalation dangerous for everyone. Scholz questions the possibility of regime change in Iran through Trump's policy and expressed his opposition to Trump's attempt to secure assistance from Western allies for the security of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that assistance could only be provided after consultations and not through media announcements. Scholz stated that during a phone call with Trump, he emphasized that allies would not send forces to the Strait of Hormuz without hostilities first ceasing. Furthermore, Trump reportedly stated that he did not need NATO, suggesting that he understands the crisis is not a matter for the Alliance. The German Chancellor noted that Germany could consider sending forces to the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the war, especially mine-hunting ships, but only under specific conditions. Overall, Scholz's criticism of Trump's policy highlights the disagreements between the US and its European allies regarding how to deal with the crisis in Iran.