Despite JCPOA Failures, Berlin Sides with US in Renewed Pressure on Iran

In an interview with Politico’s “Berlin Briefing” podcast, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed that Germany is engaged in early-stage diplomacy with Iran — “talks about talks” — aiming to avoid further military escalation following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran has responded with military operations and condemned Western aggression as a betrayal of diplomacy, stating it will only return to talks if Washington offers concrete guarantees and reparations.

European powers, particularly Germany, France, and the UK, have threatened to activate the JCPOA snapback mechanism — a move that would reimpose UN sanctions on Iran — unless Tehran agrees to a broader deal by the end of August. While Berlin insists Iran’s nuclear program and missile development threaten both Israel and Europe, Iran maintains its right to peaceful nuclear technology and rejects any negotiation over its defense capabilities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that triggering the snapback would end all dialogue with Europe, accusing the E3 of lacking independence and leverage. Meanwhile, Wadephul emphasized growing transatlantic alignment with the US on Iran and Israel, as well as NATO unity on defense and pressure on Russia. The future of Iran-Europe diplomacy now hinges on whether Tehran accepts expanded terms or the West follows through with its sanctions threat.