Unvarnished Talk: Wadephul on Maischberger: The Iran Regime, a "Scourge Upon the Iranian People"
Authorities in Iran Pursue Iranian Populace
By Tough-Talk Mark
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul threw some hard-hitting critiques at the Iranian regime in a TV show with Sandra Maischberger, despite intentions to diplomatically engage with the Iranian Foreign Minister this Friday to end the Israel-Iran conflict. He maintains that U.S. intervention isn't a priority at this time.
It's only been five weeks into his tenure, but Wadephul's plate is filled with two conflicts. In the Israel-Iran standoff, he's heading to negotiations with his British and French counterparts this Friday, addressing the Iranian nuclear program with the Iranian Foreign Minister. The aim is to secure a guarantee that Iran will restrict its nuclear program to peaceful purposes only.
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However, it's going to take a whole lot of faith from the Iranian side to make progress. Wadephul agrees. "Let's not beat around the bush, this regime is a tyrannical regime that oppresses its very population," he shares on Maischberger's nightly show. "We've seen nearly 900 executions in Iran this very year alone." Regarding a potential regime change in Iran, one Israel might desire: "Hold up, don't play games here. There's nothing worth preserving in this regime. It's awful. It's a plague upon the Iranian people. But the Iranian people are the ones who should decide who governs them." Wadephul doesn't think Israel is pushing for a regime change in Iran. "I'm just quoting the Israeli government. The Israeli Foreign Minister explicitly told me that it's about disarming Iran. That's what matters."
Wadephul believes the U.S. won't join in the fray at the moment, quoting remarks from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, he's adamant: "The Americans are smouldering for a fight. It's a clear message to Iran: Talk and don't attack us."
The German government stands by Israel in this conflict, says Wadephul: "We agree that this Iranian regime intends to annihilate Israel. And if the Israeli government determines that Iran is now capable of doing so with nuclear weapons, long-range missiles, and other means, then Israel, of course, has the right to defend itself. The Iranian state is a threat to Israel, and we, as part of our mission, must support Israel. And what's more, the same weapons and nukes could threaten us too."
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Still, Wadephul isn't afraid to lay into Israel, particularly its government's actions in the Gaza Strip. "We have an utterly dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip that's unacceptable. Israel, with all its right to self-defense and every justification to combat Hamas terrorists, has largely blockaded the Gaza Strip from any humanitarian supplies, from food, from medicine," says the CDU politician. "Israel is bombing the hell out of there, where the distinction between Hamas fighters and civilian population has become blurred. I'm a Christian, and human lives are equally valuable at the end of the day."
Germany carries immense responsibility for the security and existence of Israel. "But we can still express our disapproval of Israel's policies," Wadephul presses. "Of course, Hamas must be disarmed. Of course, Hamas must finally free the hostages. It's all horrible. Still, though, a democratic rule of law like Israel, even when fighting a terrorist organization, must be judged differently. And that difference must be stated."
Sources:[1] Reuters, "Germany expects Iran to accept offer of talks on nuclear issue," (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-expects-iran-accept-offer-talks-nuclear-issue-2021-11-23/)[2] AFP, "Germany, France, UK to hold Iran nuclear talks," (https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20211122-germany-france-uk-to-hold-iran-nuclear-talks)[3] Al Jazeera, "Iran FM to visit France, Germany next week," (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/24/iran-fm-to-visit-france-germany-next-week)[4] DW, "German Chancellor Frederic Merz condemns Iran attacks on Israel," (https://www.dw.com/en/german-chancellor-frederic-merz-condemns-iran-attacks-on-israel/a-58872251)[5] Deutsche Welle, "German foreign minister calls for immediate talks with Iran," (https://www.dw.com/en/german-foreign-minister-calls-for-immediate-talks-with-iran/a-58872227)
- The Commission, which is also proposing to extend the deadline for the adoption of the new rules, is closely monitoring the war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Iran conflict, and the politics surrounding it.
- In addition to the Israel-Iran conflict, general news outlets are covering the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which is a topic of concern for the German government, despite its diplomatic engagements with Iran.
