Berlin calls Iran strikes on US base ‘calibrated'
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed hope that the US and Iran will now enter talks to avoid further conflict. PHOTO: REUTERS
BERLIN - Germany said on June 23 that Iran's retaliatory strikes on a US base were 'calibrated' and expressed hope that Tehran and Washington will now enter talks to avoid further conflict.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told the ARD broadcaster that Iran's launching of multiple missiles at the United States' Al Udeid base in Qatar was a 'calibrated answer' to American strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites.
Mr Wadephul said he was also 'pleased that the American president has reacted in such a measured way' to Iran's strikes.
In a post on X published shortly afterwards, Mr Wadephul said Iran's strikes were 'unacceptable' and said Germany 'stands in solidarity with our partners in the Gulf states'.
In his comments to ARD he said that Iran's attack was 'to be condemned', but added it was 'not so strong or so uncontrolled that an escalation must follow'.
'(Iran) is showing in an indirect way a certain readiness' for negotiations, he said.
'At this stage we can only repeat our demand to Iran to be ready for talks', he added, pointing to Mr Trump's latest statements in this regard.
The eventual aim of any talks must be that 'Iran is permanently prevented from having nuclear weapons,' Mr Wadephul said.
'This would serve world peace, would serve Israel and Europe.' AFP
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