Bundesaußenminister Johann Wadephul (CDU) does not anticipate a swift end to the war in Iran. “I believe we must still prepare for a while longer before it goes on” he told the ARD’s “Tagesthemen” on Tuesday evening. This view came after his visit to Israel and his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. He also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Rubio the night before.
Wadephul said the core of the conflict, according to his impression, remains the destruction of the arsenal Iran has accumulated, especially its nuclear program and ballistic‑missile capabilities that threaten not only Israel and the region but also Europe. He stressed that Germany can help push for an end to the war by engaging its partners in discussions about the conditions under which the conflict could continue, its wider impacts, and points that should be considered.
During the trip he also mentioned potential new refugee crises and rising energy prices. He urged that attention be given to the situation in Iran, particularly to people suffering under the regime, and that Iran should remain territorially intact without any chaos that would serve no one’s interests. Wadephul concluded that steps must be taken to prevent the conflict from spreading further-a concern shared by many Gulf states.
