Germany Warns Iran to Change Course as EU Considers Tougher Sanctions – AL24 News

Germany’s foreign minister issued a sharp warning to Iran on Thursday, urging Tehran to change course and address Western concerns over its nuclear program amid growing tensions.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Johann Wadephul said discussions would focus on the latest developments in Iran and on increasing pressure through tougher sanctions. Wadephul also criticized Iran’s response to recent anti-government protests, calling it unacceptable. Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threats of possible military action against Iran, the minister said he would not speculate but urged Tehran to seize the diplomatic opportunity to reach an agreement.

“The American president has suggested that an agreement can be reached on key points, which largely overlap with proposals made by Europeans in the E3 format,” Wadephul said, stressing the importance of addressing both Iran’s missile program and potential nuclear weapons capabilities.

Western powers accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes. The 2015 nuclear deal was abandoned after the US withdrew in 2018 during Trump’s first term, while tensions escalated further after US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.