German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is advocating for a negotiated resolution to limit Iran’s nuclear program, following the recent re-implementation of a new United Nations sanctions regime.
Minister Wadephul emphasized the imperative of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, acknowledging that while immediate capabilities are temporarily constrained by recent military actions by the United States and Israel, the long-term risk remains a concern. He reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to a diplomatic solution as the only sustainable approach to resolving the issue.
Wadephul expressed confidence that the renewed sanctions will significantly impact the Iranian economy. He cited a lack of credibility and transparency from Tehran in previous nuclear program negotiations as the primary reason for the sanctions’ reinstatement, asserting that alternative measures proved unviable.
He characterized the Iranian regime’s actions as a consequential misstep, particularly detrimental to the Iranian people. Wadephul conveyed hope that this development will prompt a shift in policy direction from Tehran, reiterating Germany’s readiness to resume negotiations.
Reflecting on previous, unsuccessful efforts alongside the foreign ministers of Great Britain and France to incentivize Iran toward negotiations, Wadephul stated his desire to avoid potential criticism for failing to exhaust all avenues to prevent the sanctions and pursue a diplomatic resolution.
The United Nations recently reactivated previously suspended sanctions against Iran, prompting the European Union to subsequently reimpose its own restrictive measures. These include prohibitions on the import and transport of Iranian crude oil and natural gas, trading activities involving Iranian precious metals and diamonds and access for Iranian cargo planes to EU airports.