German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, of the Christian Democratic Union, has stated that the upcoming meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, is taking place at a critical time. The situation is extremely tense, with the war between Israel and Iran unfolding in an unpredictable manner, Wadephul told the German news magazine Spiegel, referring to the escalating conflict.
The German, French and British foreign ministers are set to meet with Araghchi in Geneva, with the aim of de-escalating the situation. When asked if the German government would assist Israel if Iran’s attacks continue and the number of casualties rises, Wadephul emphasized that he is warning Tehran against abandoning international agreements and expanding the conflict. However, he also expressed confidence in Israel’s ability to rely on Germany, saying, “Israel will always be able to rely on Germany.”
Regarding the legality of Israel’s attacks on Iran, Wadephul stated that he cannot provide a definitive legal assessment without having the necessary information, which is not available to the German Foreign Ministry. For a legal review, the ministry would require all the facts that had informed the Israeli decision-making process.
Meanwhile, the cross-border attacks continue, with Iranian rockets and drones targeting southern Israel on the morning of the planned meeting. The Norwegian Embassy residence in Tel Aviv reportedly came under fire and the war in the Gaza Strip remains unrelenting. According to a Gaza hospital, a recent Israeli airstrike in the north of the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people.