Majority of Germans Say Government Lacks Iran War Strategy

A new survey published by Internationale Politik magazine found that 68% of Germans believe their government has no clear strategy for handling the Iran war. Only 28% expressed confidence in Berlin’s approach. Supporters of the co‑ruling CDU/CSU were the only group with a narrow majority (54%) saying the government has a clear vision, while skepticism was stronger among SPD voters and opposition parties. AfD supporters showed the highest level of doubt at 86%, followed by 78% of Left Party voters and 69% of Greens. Regional differences were stark: in eastern Germany, 82% said the government lacks direction. Younger Germans were also critical, with 76% of 18‑ to 29‑year‑olds expressing dissatisfaction. Chancellor Friedrich Merz initially backed the US and Israel’s February 28 strike on Iran but has since criticized Washington for lacking a plan, adding to perceptions of inconsistency.