Germany has accused Iran of lacking “credibility and transparency” in the latest round of nuclear negotiations, warning of a “serious danger” if Tehran continues on its current path.
Tehran, in turn, escalated its rhetoric, vowing to fight any war “with full force” and urging the international community not to allow international law to become “a tool in the hands of the United States.”
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told Berliner Zeitung that Iran in the last round of talks did not show the credibility and transparency required, reaffirming Berlin’s stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
He said the US and Israeli military strikes in June had delayed Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, but cautioned: “In the long run, there remains a serious risk. That is why we stress the need for negotiations to bring this issue to a permanent end.”
The minister did not rule out further economic pressure, saying new sanctions would place Iran’s economy “under severe strain.” He described Tehran’s lack of cooperation in previous talks as “a costly mistake.”
Still, Wadephul left the door open to diplomacy: “I hope the Iranian regime will now choose a new course. Our offer to resume negotiations remains on the table.”
The United Nations has already reimposed an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran, following a European initiative led by France, Britain and Germany in response to violations of the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran continues to deny that it is seeking nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by warning against US dominance over international law, saying in a letter to counterparts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives: “This is not just about Iran, but about the dignity of international law.”
Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani also revealed that Tehran had proposed direct talks with Washington on the sidelines of last week’s UN General Assembly, but the US envoy declined.
On the military front, Iranian officials played down the risk of imminent war, calling regional troop movements part of a “psychological war.”
But others, including MP Sara Fallahi, warned that any Israeli attack would “drag the entire region into conflict,” adding that the next war “will not resemble the 12-day conflict” in June and that Iran would fight “with full force.”
Meanwhile, senior Iranian commander Mohammad Jafar Asadi announced plans to extend the range of Iran’s ballistic missiles beyond the current 2,000-kilometer limit, arguing that missile power had already shortened Israel’s June war to 12 days.
In Israel, former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that the confrontation with Iran “is far from over,” saying Tehran was strengthening its military capabilities and seeking to surprise Israel.
