BERLIN/PARIS: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has indicated that direct negotiations between the United States and Iran could take place in the near future.
Speaking to German broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul said preliminary indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran have already occurred, and preparations for face-to-face talks are underway. He suggested that such a meeting could happen “very soon,” though he did not disclose further details about the source of his information.
The development comes a day after US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Pakistan had conveyed a 15-point American peace proposal to Iran as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Wadephul made the remarks ahead of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers near Paris, where Marco Rubio is also expected to participate. He expressed hope that Rubio would brief allies on Washington’s strategy and objectives regarding the conflict.
Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, who had initially backed the US-Israeli campaign, has recently voiced concerns over the growing human and economic costs of the war. Berlin has maintained that it does not intend to become directly involved in the conflict.
Separately, Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies for their limited role, calling their contribution insufficient. In response, Wadephul described the remarks as “irritating,” adding that Germany has not been formally asked by Washington to provide specific support.
