Domestic backlash grows after Merz softens Iran rhetoric

- German chancellor Friedrich Merz has been assailed on social platforms and in commentary for shifting his Iran rhetoric after earlier hardline comments. - Critics accused Merz of political flip-flopping and called him a “WEF fraud” while commentators like Trita Parsi flagged a perceived vassal-like shift in position. - The online furor and op-eds add domestic pressure as Merkel-era coalition calculations continue, according to X posts and Time/The Guardian. (x.com) (time.com)