Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned German Ambassador Axel Wilhelm Dittmann on Thursday and lodged a protest over Berlin’s hostile approach toward Tehran and the German embassy’s interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

Axar.az reports, citing Press TV, that Alireza Yousefi, Iran’s assistant foreign minister and director general for Western Europe, strongly criticized recent remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling them “baseless” and accusing Berlin of pursuing an “unjustified and destructive” policy toward Iran.

Yousefi also objected to interventionist activities by the German embassy in Tehran, saying diplomatic missions should respect the laws and sovereignty of their host countries.

The Iranian official further criticized Germany’s military and political support for Israel and said Berlin’s policies had damaged bilateral relations.

Dittmann said he would convey Iran’s protest to the German government.