VAUX-DE-CERNAY (dpa-AFX) – Despite criticism from the USA of their European partners, the G7 foreign ministers have found a common line on the Iran war. After a conversation with his US colleague Marco Rubio, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said there was no dissent and no demand from the US for a military contribution before the end of hostilities. In a surprise move, the ministers agreed on a joint statement on Iran at the end of their meeting near Paris. Among other things, they called for the protection of civilians.
In addition to Germany, the “Group of Seven” also includes France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada and the USA. In contrast to his colleagues, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio only arrived on the night of the second and final day of the meeting.
According to Wadephul, the mood with Rubio is friendly
Wadephul said: “It was a really serious, good conversation.” The CDU politician made it clear: “There was and is no requirement from the United States of America, especially from us, to make a military contribution before the end of the hostilities.”
When asked what the mood was during the talks with Rubio, Wadephul said: “It was good, it was friendly, it was constructive, but of course also appropriate to the seriousness of the whole situation.” The security situation is difficult enough, escalation must be prevented. “We are already feeling the economic impact quite significantly everywhere, especially in Europe.” For this reason, they “really discussed these questions in great detail. And there is no disagreement at all.”
Wadephul sees signs of US talks with Iran
It was agreed that Tehran would be well advised to now enter into serious negotiations with the USA, said Wadephul. “There are initial signs that can give us confidence that such discussions should take place.” He said on Deutschlandfunk that morning that there were preparations for a direct meeting between representatives of the USA and Iran, which would probably “take place in Pakistan at very short notice in the near future.”
After the meeting, the Federal Foreign Minister added that the group was firmly convinced that Iran should not pose a threat to the region, beyond, or to the global economy in the short and long term. He once again emphasized that G7 partners such as Germany could also make a contribution to securing the situation after the hostilities have ended. Germany is diplomatically active and coordinates this closely with its partners.
G7 calls for an end to attacks on civilian targets
In the surprisingly published and rather brief joint statement on Iran, the G7 foreign ministers called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian infrastructure. There can be no justification for deliberate attacks on civilians. According to the purely French presentation, it is also explicitly about protecting civil energy infrastructure.
In the statement, the foreign ministers also emphasized that, in their view, it is absolutely necessary to permanently restore the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This must be secure and free of charge. The Strait of Hormuz, an immensely important transport route for global oil and gas trade, lies directly off the coast of Iran. Since the beginning of the American-Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic, Iran has been radioing ships in the strait not to pass.
There was no talk of a joint statement before the meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay. France said there would only be a communication from the French G7 presidency.
Wadephul: Aid to Ukraine must not slow down because of Iran
In addition to the Iran war, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine was a central topic for the foreign ministers. Wadephul warned: “There can be no compromises when it comes to maintaining Ukraine’s defense capability.” This would only play into the hands of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. “Putin is cynically hoping that the escalation in the Middle East will distract our attention from his crimes in Ukraine. This calculation must not work,” said Wadephul.
The pressure on Russia must remain high, for example with sanctions, action against the Russian shadow fleet and pressure on the Russian energy sector. Wadephul also held the USA, which had recently temporarily relaxed sanctions on Russian oil deliveries, responsible. “This is a task for all G7 partners.” US Secretary of State Rubio wrote on
