Merz Says Iran’s Clerical Regime Is in Its Final Days. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Iran’s ruling clerical leadership is effectively finished, arguing the regime can no longer survive without widespread violence. Speaking during a visit to India, Merz said a government that relies solely on repression to stay in power is nearing collapse. Merz expressed hope for a peaceful end to the crisis, saying Iran’s leadership must recognize that continued violence cannot sustain its rule. His remarks come amid more than two weeks of nationwide protests in Iran, triggered by severe economic hardship and rising public anger. Human rights groups report more than 600 protesters killed and over 10,000 arrested during a brutal crackdown by Iranian security forces. Merz recently joined British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in condemning the killings and repression. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has signaled readiness to push for tougher sanctions, while German conservatives renew calls to blacklist Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Merz’s comments also follow Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs targeting countries that continue trading with Iran, increasing international pressure on Tehran.