Tehran (dpa-Afx)-Because of the “dirty work” expression of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Iran has ordered the German ambassador Markus Potzel. As a result of the “shameful statements” of the Chancellor, this was cited to the Foreign Ministry, the state broadcasting reported in Iran. Diplomatic circles in Berlin confirmed the entry, which is considered a sharp form of diplomatic protest.
In a ZDF interview on the edge of the G7 summit, Merz reacted to a question from moderator Diana Zimmermann, who had used the word “dirty work” with a view to Israel’s attacks in Iran. Merz picked it up and said: “Ms. Zimmermann, I am grateful to you for the term dirt work. This is the dirty work, the Israel does for everyone.”
Aliresa Jussefi, General Director in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced Ambassador Potzel that Merz ‘statements had harmed Germany’s reputation in Iran and internationally.
Also in the German-Iranian community and among opponents of the repressive government, the statements triggered outrage./Arb/dp/he