What you need to know
– A third of Germans expect the cost of living to rise
– Merz calls Trump’s actions a “massive escalation” over Iran
– Chancellor says German military could help clear mines in Hormuz
– German FM Wadephul says Germany now has clarity on US aims
– Transport minister urges buying Deutschlandticket to offset fuel costs
March 28, 2026 — Welcome to our coverage from DW’s newsroom in Bonn, where the Iran war remains the dominant domestic story. Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that US President Donald Trump’s escalation of the conflict will affect not just the Middle East but “all of us.” Tensions between Washington and Berlin have risen after the two leaders traded barbs over Germany’s role.
Merz said he told Trump: “If you want us to help, then please ask us beforehand … not afterwards through the newspapers.” The chancellor renewed criticism of what he called a risky escalation and questioned whether US and Israeli aims of removing Iran’s leadership are realistic, warning that attempts at regime change have often failed.
Germans fear renewed inflation as fuel prices soar
A YouGov survey for Postbank of 2,028 people found nine in ten Germans expect the cost of living to rise in coming months. Nearly a third believe the Iran war will trigger significant price increases, adding to household pressure. Those earning under €2,500 a month are feeling the pinch most: almost a quarter say they can barely cover basic expenses.
Top cost pressures cited were food, energy and transport. Vehicle fuel prices in Germany have risen between 15% and 30% since the Iran war began. Many economists expect higher inflation in the coming months due to elevated oil and gas prices after Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy shipping lane. How severe price rises become will depend on the war’s duration. Inflation in Germany fell to 1.9% in February, below the ECB’s 2% target.
Merz proposes Bundeswehr could clear mines in Strait of Hormuz
Merz said the Bundeswehr could be deployed to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz after the war ends, but only within a genuine collective security mandate — for example under the UN, NATO or EU — and with a Bundestag resolution. He noted Germany has several minesweepers but described the proposal as “theoretical” because Iran has not yet reportedly laid mines in the waterway. US President Trump has extended an ultimatum for Iran to reopen Hormuz or negotiate by April 6 before the US carries out strikes on Iranian power plants.
Merz and Trump clash over strategy
At a Frankfurt event, Merz accused Trump of engaging in “massive escalation” rather than de-escalation or seeking a peaceful solution. He warned the consequences could be unpredictable and dangerous for many. Trump, meanwhile, criticized Germany for not doing more to secure oil and gas shipments, saying Merz had called the conflict “not our war,” while noting that the US helps Ukraine despite similar arguments.
Domestic incident in Witten
Police launched a major operation after a mother and two children were seriously injured in Witten, western Germany. The incident, first reported by Bild, occurred after an emergency call at 10:29 a.m. local time on Saturday. DPA reported one child was seriously injured. A suspect has been arrested; witnesses described the detained individual as blood-covered and handcuffed, guarded by police. Authorities have released few details so far.
Practical advice and outlook
Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder urged citizens to consider buying the Deutschlandticket to save on transport costs amid rising fuel prices. Deutsche Bank’s Ulrich Stephan linked worsening personal finances for many Germans to the earlier 2022 inflation spike and said current developments risk reigniting price pressures. Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul has said Germany now has clearer information on US war aims.
Stay with DW for updates from across Germany as the situation develops.