Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons – Merz Iran's nuclear program poses an existential threat to Israel, which is why progress toward developing nuclear weapons was the reason behind the massive strikes on the Islamic Republic. This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, DW reports. "Iran must not be allowed to develop or possess nuclear weapons," the dpa news agency quoted him as saying. Merz noted that since all diplomatic efforts have failed to make Iran abandon its nuclear program, "Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens."