Around 68 percent of German citizens accuse the federal government of lacking a plan in dealing with the Iran war. Skepticism is particularly massive in eastern Germany and among young voters, a recent poll shows. BERLIN. – The federal government is facing increasing criticism for its course in the Iran war. According to a survey published on Saturday by the news magazine Internationale Politik, more than two-thirds of Germans believe their government lacks a clear strategic direction. When asked whether the federal government has a clear strategy in the Iran conflict, 68 percent of respondents answered "No." Only 28 percent of those surveyed held the opposite view. Agreement Only Within the Union—Major Doubts in the Opposition A look at party affiliations reveals a deep divide: Only among voters of the governing CDU/CSU does a narrow majority of 54 percent believe the government has a clear vision regarding Germany's positioning in the conflict. Among supporters of the coalition partner SPD, however, doubts prevail (43 percent). The verdict is even more drastic among voters of the opposition parties. Among AfD supporters, the proportion of those who cannot discern a clear course is particularly high at 86 percent. A clear majority also shares this assessment within the Left Party (78 percent) and the Green Party (69 percent). Massive Criticism in the East and Among Young People The regional breakdown of the data reveals a striking East-West divide. In eastern Germany, only 17 percent consider the federal government's line to be clear, while an overwhelming 82 percent disagree. Anomalies also appear when looking at age groups: The younger generation, in particular, is judging the government's policies harshly. 76 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds criticize the lack of a strategy; only 20 percent in this age group see it differently. Background: Chancellor Merz Distances Himself from Washington The polling data comes at a time of diplomatic tension. After the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, Chancellor Friedrich Merz initially supported the military action. In recent weeks, however, the Chancellor has noticeably adjusted his stance. He has repeatedly criticized the actions of the United States and specifically accused the US administration under President Donald Trump of acting without a concrete plan.