Geneva talks coordinated with US, Iran must negotiate seriously to prevent escalation: Germany

BERLIN

Germany on Friday called on Iran to seize the opportunity at Geneva talks to prevent further escalation in the war, saying the planned talks were closely coordinated with the US administration.

“We are coordinating this closely with our American friends,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told public broadcaster MDR before heading to Geneva for a planned meeting of European foreign ministers with their Iranian counterpart.

“Americans not only know about these talks, but also very much agree with us doing so. In this respect, Iran should understand that it should conduct these talks with a renewed seriousness and reliability if it wishes to prevent further escalation,” he said.

Wadephul expressed optimism that the planned talks in Geneva could help achieve de-escalation between Israel and Iran if Tehran negotiates in good faith and demonstrates credibly that it will refrain from any plans for nuclear weapons.

“If there is a serious willingness on the part of Iran to renounce this (nuclear enrichment), then there is a real chance of preventing a further escalation of this war and every discussion is useful for this,” the minister said. “That is why I am very happy to conduct these talks with my colleagues in Geneva, and I hope we will be successful, because diplomacy is always better than further armed conflict.”