Germany backs diplomacy as US ramps up pressure on Iran

Diplomacy is the best way to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons, a Federal Foreign Office spokesperson told Iran International Saturday, as the US ramps up its "maximum pressure" campaign.

In response to questions from Iran International about whether Germany, as a strategic partner of the United States, would cooperate with the White House and align with Washington’s pressure strategy, the spokesperson reaffirmed Berlin’s commitment to diplomatic engagement.

“In November 2024 and January 2025, together with our French and British partners, we conducted preliminary talks with Iran on the Iranian nuclear program, regional issues, and other issues of concern,” the spokesperson said.

Addressing recent US policy moves, the spokesperson added, “We have taken note of the National Security Presidential Memorandum that President Trump has issued. Over the last years, Germany has reduced its bilateral relations with Iran to a minimum. At the same time, we have been keeping channels of communication open. We are in contact with European partners, with the US, and with other partners regarding relations with Iran.”

While Germany and its European allies continue to prioritize diplomacy, tensions between Tehran and Washington are escalating. Speaking to a group of air force personnel in Tehran on Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei firmly rejected negotiations with the US. “Negotiating with such a government should not be done; it is neither wise, intelligent, nor honorable,” Khamenei said, undermining both President Donald Trump’s call for a new nuclear deal and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s stated openness to talks with Washington.

Nevertheless, the Iranian government signaled its willingness to continue dialogue with Europe. “The government's strategy is to ensure a unified voice from Iran. While everyone is aware of the existing challenges, today more than ever, we need greater unity and solidarity to overcome these difficulties,” Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani wrote on X Saturday. She added, “Negotiations with European countries will continue, and it is well understood that Iran will not engage in talks if they are conducted dishonorably.”

Nevertheless, the US remains steadfast in its approach. “President Trump has been clear that the United States is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and expressed his willingness to discuss a deal with Iran,” a State Department spokesperson told Iran International. “If the Iranian regime does not want a deal, the President is clear, Iran will remain under the restored maximum pressure campaign.”

Germany confirms repatriation of dual national citizen's body

The German Federal Foreign Office also confirmed that its embassy in Tehran had worked “continuously over the past weeks to ensure the repatriation of Mr. Sharmahd's body to Germany.” A spokesperson told Iran International that the successful return was “the result of insistent diplomatic and consular efforts on several levels.”

Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian dissident, died in an Iranian prison while awaiting execution on charges of endangering national security. Iranian authorities claimed Sharmahd, who was abducted by Iranian agents in the UAE in 2020, died of a stroke before his scheduled execution. However, his family and human rights organizations have disputed these claims, citing the lack of transparent legal proceedings and credible evidence supporting his conviction.

Sharmahd’s daughter, Gazelle Sharmahd, confirmed to Iran International that German authorities informed her of the body’s return, though an autopsy is still required to confirm his identity. “Once that happens, we can say with certainty that it is my father,” she said, adding that the family plans to pursue legal action against Iranian authorities in Germany.