German chancellor says Iran regime living its 'last days'

"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday that Iran's regime was living out its last days, as pressure grew on the Islamic republic over crackdowns on protests that have reportedly killed hundreds of people. "When a regime can only hold on to power through violence, then it is effectively finished," Merz told reporters in Bengaluru during a visit to India."

"'I believe that we are now witnessing the last days and weeks of this regime.' Iran's leaders have 'no legitimacy' as they were not elected by the people and the population was now 'rising up', Merz said, adding: 'I hope that there is a way to end this conflict peacefully.' He said Berlin was in contact with the United States and other European governments with the aim of ensuring 'that there can be a peaceful transition to a democratic government in Iran'."

"Sparked by economic grievances, the nationwide protests have grown into one of the biggest challenges yet to the theocratic system that has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution ousted the shah. The crackdown on the protests has killed at least 600 people dead, according to a rights group."

Iran's regime is facing mounting pressure amid violent crackdowns on nationwide protests that have reportedly killed hundreds. Leaders lack electoral legitimacy while the population is rising up, and protests sparked by economic grievances have become one of the largest challenges to the theocratic system since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Berlin is coordinating with the United States and other European governments to help secure a peaceful transition to democratic government in Iran. Rights groups report that the crackdown has killed at least 600 people, and there is expressed hope for a peaceful end to the conflict.

Read at The Local Germany