German leader Merz declares Iran’s regime in its ‘final days’

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared Tuesday that the Iranian regime is on the verge of collapsing, urging the country's ruling clerics to end their brutal crackdown on protesters and find a peaceful way to exit power.

“If a regime can only stay in power through violence, then it is effectively finished. I assume that we are now witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime,” Merz told a news conference during a visit to India.

“I hope there is a way to end this conflict peacefully. The mullah regime has to recognize that as well,” Merz added.

Merz's comments came a week after President Donald Trump warned he might take action to stop Tehran from killing the protesters who have spread their movement nationwide during a dramatic two weeks.

Trump escalated the pressure on Monday, proposing a 25% tariff on any country that does business with Iran's regime.

Activists say at least 600 protesters have been killed and thousands arrested in the crackdown by Iran's ruling mullahs.