German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, by phone on Sunday. During the call, Wadephul stressed Germany’s support for a “negotiation solution”.
The German minister stated that as a close ally of the United States, Germany and Iran share the same objectives: Iran must completely and verifiably renounce nuclear weapons and immediately free up the Strait of Hormuz. Wadephul noted that these demands mirror those made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This diplomatic conversation comes amid heightened relations with Washington. Germany is likely trying to avoid further antagonizing the U.S. government, following a recent public dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). Previously, the Chancellor’s assertions that the United States lacked a viable strategy in the Iran conflict had displeased Trump, leading ultimately to the announcement of removing 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Germany.
