Germany signals readiness to back new sanctions on Iran

Germany is prepared to support the reimposition of sanctions against Iran should diplomatic efforts fail, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said.

“We are firmly committed, firstly, to doing everything in our power to reach a diplomatic solution through negotiations,” Caliber.Az quotes Wadephul as saying per German media.

“But we are equally determined to trigger the snapback mechanism if those talks collapse,” minister stressed at a press conference following a meeting with his French counterpart.

Wadephul added that, Germany's primary concern remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

A clause in the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—permits the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Tehran through a “snapback” mechanism in the event of non-compliance. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018.

With the agreement set to expire in October, European diplomats are pushing for renewed progress before the end of August.

Since April, Iran and the United States have engaged in indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman. However, talks were effectively halted following an Israeli airstrike on Iran on June 13, which was followed by Us military strikes targeting Iranian positions.

In the aftermath of the hostilities, both Tehran and Washington have expressed openness to resuming dialogue, although Iran maintains it will not relinquish its right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev