German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticized the Trump administration, stating that the US is being “humiliated” by Iran. Merz warned that he does not see a US exit strategy for the ongoing conflict, adding that “an entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards.” He observed that the Iranians are “obviously negotiating very skillfully” and are “clearly stronger than one thought.”
Efforts by Pakistani mediators to broker a peace agreement between Washington and Tehran have failed, with both sides unable to resolve issues concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program. Axios reports that Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a new peace offer to the US, which would defer nuclear negotiations. The Trump administration has yet to respond, with discussions expected in a Situation Room meeting.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia to discuss the Middle East situation with Vladimir Putin. Russian President Putin pledged support for Iran in talks with the US, expressing hope that the Iranian people would overcome this “difficult period.” Russia has offered to mediate and store Iran’s enriched uranium to de-escalate tensions, an offer the US has not accepted. Putin also conveyed thanks for a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, affirming Russia’s intent to continue its strategic relationship with Iran.
In related developments, a sanctioned $500 million superyacht linked to Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov reportedly sailed through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the close ties between Russia and Iran. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is showing early signs of recovery, with 19 vessels crossing on Saturday after days of disruption, though oil and gas flows have not significantly increased since the US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28.
Commentary suggests Trump’s indifference to the growing military collaboration between Iran and Russia is “staggering.” Additionally, Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of 69 people and their families for “expressing support for Iranian attacks,” following attacks on Gulf countries in retaliation for US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Fighting has intensified in Lebanon, with Israeli strikes killing 14 and wounding 37 on Sunday, marking the deadliest day since a US-brokered ceasefire in mid-April. Israel has struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley and other southern areas. Iran insists it will not hold broader conflict talks unless the Lebanon ceasefire holds, blaming Israel for violations, while Israel blames Hezbollah.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran has “plenty more cards to play” in its conflict with the US, cryptically referencing the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandab, and pipelines as potential leverage. He implied Iran might urge Yemen’s Houthis to close Bab el-Mandab, a vital maritime strait.
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