German FM urges Tehran to show seriousness in diplomacy

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Friday he is heading to Geneva for nuclear talks with Iran, urging Tehran to demonstrate “serious willingness” to renounce weapons-grade enrichment and include its missile program in negotiations.

“This requires Iran's serious willingness to renounce any enrichment of nuclear material, which could lead to nuclear weaponization. This also requires that the missile program can be included. If this serious willingness exists, then the consequence on our part will also be that we are prepared to hold further talks.”

Speaking ahead of his departure, Wadephul said, “The ball is now in Iran’s court,” adding that Germany remains committed to Israel’s security, which he called part of the country’s “raison d’être.”

“But the ball is now in Iran's court and Israel can rely on Germany to always keep an eye on and defend the security and existence of the Israeli state. That is part of our raison d'être, and that is also my guiding principle in today's talks.”