The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
Evidence and Verdict
For
No listed source contains a quote or report that Friedrich Merz says it is acceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. The provided items discuss Iran’s nuclear program, international reactions, and Merz’s role as German chancellor, but none attribute to him an endorsement of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Against
The BBC topic page on Friedrich Merz and CNN profiles about him cover his speeches and appointment but do not record any statement endorsing Iran having nuclear weapons. NPR, BBC, and AP pieces in the provided set discuss international backlash and diplomatic positions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the war, yet none report Merz saying it is okay for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. The presence of fact-checking and broad media coverage in the listed sources (e.g., PolitiFact, BBC, NPR) without such a reported statement further indicates the claim is unsupported by these sources.
Verdict
Rating is FALSE because none of the supplied, relevant news or profile sources contain evidence that Merz thinks it is acceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon; the claim is unsupported by the provided material.
Sources
What the Trump administration says about why it went to war with Iran : NPR
What the Trump administration says about why it went to war with Iran : NPR - Apr 29, 2026
### "You would have had a nuclear war" — or would we?
Open sourceDeadlock over Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz ...
Deadlock over Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz ... - Apr 29, 2026
## International backlash over the war in Iran
Open sourceHow the world has reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran - BBC
How the world has reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran - BBC - Apr 29, 2026
"The Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of a...
Open sourceFriedrich Merz - BBC News
Friedrich Merz - BBC News - Apr 29, 2026
German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech during the 62nd Munich Security Conference. Photo: 13 February 2026
Open sourceFriedrich Merz | CNN
Friedrich Merz | CNN - Apr 29, 2026
## Personal
Open sourceGermany formally appoints new chancellor, Friedrich Merz | CNN
Germany formally appoints new chancellor, Friedrich Merz | CNN - Apr 29, 2026
Germany’s Friedrich Merz has formally become chancellor at the second attempt, hours after an unprecedented defeat signaled deep discontent within his coalition. In a hastily organized session Tues...
Open source