Germany says Iran must stop ‘military nuclear program’

BERLIN

Germany on Monday said Iran must end its “military nuclear program” and put its ballistic missile arsenal “under control.”

Any diplomatic solution “requires Iran to verifiably stop its military nuclear program. No ballistic missiles may be launched from Iran against Israel and the Gulf states, and destabilizing activities in the region must cease,” government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said at a press briefing.

“The ballistic missile program must be brought under control,” he added.

Iran maintains its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful, civilian energy, despite international concern over high-level uranium enrichment.

Negotiations regarding the future of the program continue, with Iran insisting on retaining enrichment capabilities while seeking sanctions relief.

Meanwhile, Iran’s ballistic missile program is an integral part of its defense doctrine and has been described by its leaders as non-negotiable.

Prior to last year’s 12-day war with Israel, Iran’s ballistic missile inventory was said to be between 2,500 and 3,000. Analysts estimate that the arsenal was reduced by roughly half during the conflict.

Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran’s missile program is not subject to negotiations now or in the future, describing it as a “defensive matter.”