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Germany's Foreign Minister, Johanna Wadephul, has thrown some serious shade at Iran's regime during a recent interview, yet she's planning to sit down with Iran's Foreign Minister this week in an attempt to put an end to the war with Israel. Wadephul isn't hanging on the U.S. for help right now.
Five weeks in the hot seat, Wadephul's agenda is jam-packed with conflicts, notably the Israel-Iran standoff. On Friday, she'll team up with her British and French counterparts, hoping to find some common ground with Iran's Foreign Minister on their nuclear program. The goal is to ensure Iran only uses its nuclear technology for peace, and not for anything shady.
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The deal will require some serious trust from Iran, but Wadephul thinks they've got an uphill battle. She calls out the regime as a "dictatorship of injustice" that ruthlessly oppresses its people, with over 900 executions this year alone. Regarding a potential regime change in Iran, even one desired by Israel, Wadephul says, "Let's not kidding ourselves; this regime is a poison for the Iranian people. But it's their call who they want to lead them." Wadephul doesn't believe Israel's aim is to change the regime, stressing that their main target is disarmament.
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Wadephul doesn't think the U.S. will jump into the fray just yet, citing statements from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, she's confident: "The Americans are readying themselves for a retaliation. It's a clear message to Iran: Negotiate or face the consequences."
Wadephul makes it clear that Germany is on Israel's side in this conflict: "We believe that Israel aims to wipe Iran off the map. And if Israel decides that Iran now has the ability to do so with nuclear weapons, long-range rockets, and other nefarious means, then Israel has every right to defend itself. Iran poses a threat to Israel, and we stand by Israel's side."
But it's not all black and white for Wadephul. She criticizes Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, particularly their blockade of humanitarian aid. "We have a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that is unacceptable. Israel, despite their right to self-defense, has practically blocked off any humanitarian assistance, including food and medicine for the innocent civilians," the CDU politician states. "Israel is fighting a brutal war there, where the distinction between combatants and civilians has become nearly impossible. I'm a Christian, and I believe all lives are worth saving."
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Germany carries a significant burden of responsibility for Israel's safety and existence. "However, we can still criticize Israel's actions," Wadephul says. "Hamas must be disarmed. They must release their hostages. This is terrible, but the facts are clear. A democracy, even while fighting a terrorist group, must be held to a higher standard. And we need to speak out against the injustices committed in the name of self-defense."
In short, Germany is taking a hard line against Iran's nuclear ambitions and non-compliance, while supporting Israel's right to self-defense. Diplomatic efforts are heating up as Germany, along with its E3 partners and the EU, attempts to reach a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, while urging all parties in the Israel-Iran conflict to step back from the brink and pursue dialogue rather than violence.
The Commission, while proposing to extend the deadline for the adoption of the new rules, is also engaging in diplomatic efforts to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. This political standoff, fraught with tension and serious implications, is a topic of general news interest, as the future peace and stability of the region hang in the balance.
