Germany, Israel concerned over Iran’s ‘nuclear escalation,’ says German foreign minister

BERLIN

Germany and Israel share the concern about Iran's “continued nuclear escalation,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Tuesday.

Speaking alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Berlin, Baerbock accused Iran of threatening stability and security in the Middle East.

“We both share the concern about Iran's continued nuclear escalation and the recent reports that Iran has produced very high enriched uranium,” Baerbock said.

“There is no plausible civilian justification for such a high enrichment level. Iran must not acquire a nuclear bomb. That is our common position, and that is the objective of our diplomatic endeavors,” she added.

Bloomberg reported last week that international inspectors detected uranium particles enriched up to 84% at Iran’s nuclear facilities – just short of weapons-grade levels.

Baerbock recalled Germany’s historical responsibility for Israel’s security due to Nazi crimes committed against Jews during World War II.

“Germany stands by its responsibility for the security of Israel. And Israel can continue to rely on us in that regard,” she stressed.

For his part, Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen asked Germany to further increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran.

“The Iranian regime is no longer just a regional problem, but also a problem to Europe and to the world,” he said, stressing that Tehran is supplying weapons to Russia, which are used against Ukraine.

“The international community cannot ever accept a nuclear Iran. It must force Iran to return to full compliance with international law, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” he said.

Israel accuses Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb, a claim repeatedly denied by Tehran, which says its program is designed for peaceful purposes.

Iranian authorities also denied the recent report of Bloomberg on uranium enrichment, calling it a part of a “conspiracy” against Tehran.