Germany urges diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program ahead of US talks
‘Resolving this issue is becoming increasingly urgent,’ says Foreign Ministry spokesperson
BERLIN
Germany on Friday reiterated its call for a diplomatic solution to ongoing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program ahead of upcoming US-Iran talks in Oman.
“We remain extremely concerned about the Iranian nuclear program, and we have repeatedly emphasized that the situation has escalated further on Iran's side in recent months,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christian Wagner told reporters in Berlin.
“There have been massive expansions of enrichment capacities, and in this respect, resolving this issue is becoming increasingly urgent,” he added.
Wagner said Germany welcomes the renewed US-Iran dialogue and emphasized that the “ultimate goal is a diplomatic solution.”
He added that Berlin remains in close coordination with Washington regarding the parallel negotiations between Iran and the E3 group – Germany, France and the UK.
Talks come amid growing threats
US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Thursday that the planned talks between Washington and Tehran are “a good first step” to assess Iran’s commitment to diplomacy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the direct talks would take place this weekend, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expected to meet a senior Iranian official in Oman to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Tensions have risen following remarks by Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned that Tehran could expel International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors if threats against the country continue.
Responding to the warning, Bruce called the potential expulsion “an escalation and a miscalculation on Iran's part.”
“The United States remains deeply concerned that Iran is amassing a growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium for which there is no credible peaceful purpose,” she said. “Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state producing highly enriched uranium at this level.”
Iran and world powers signed a nuclear agreement in 2015 for curbs on Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018.
Trump says Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and has warned of military action if the talks do not succeed.
Iran, meanwhile, argues its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes only.
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