International Diplomacy in Focus as Germany Pursues Verbal Solutions with Iran
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has reiterated his government’s commitment to a negotiated solution with Iran, despite the recent US attack on the country’s nuclear facilities. In an interview with the ARD, Wadephul emphasized the need for immediate talks, stating, “We need to have discussions now.” He expressed hope that Iran would recognize the urgency of the situation, adding, “There is every possibility to end this conflict peacefully and through negotiations. We need an Iranian willingness and so far, there isn’t one.”
Wadephul’s comments come on the heels of a meeting with his Iranian counterpart in Geneva, where the two discussed the possibility of a peaceful resolution. The German foreign minister declined to comment on the legal legitimacy of the US attack, instead focusing on the Iranian claims that no significant radiation has been released from the targeted facilities. He expressed a desire for the situation to remain stable.
In contrast, the Iranian Vice Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, maintained that the country’s nuclear program is purely civilian in nature and that there is currently no basis for negotiations. “It makes no sense to continue talking” he told a TV station, “We don’t want to talk for the sake of talking.”
The German Left Party’s leader, Jan van Aken, has condemned the US and Israeli actions as a violation of international law, drawing parallels with Russia’s actions in Ukraine. “What Washington is doing is just as illegal as what Russia is doing in Ukraine” he stated.