Merz, Macron and Starmer appeal to Iran
Germany, France and the UK warn against further escalation.
Berlin (dpa) – Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Germany, France and the United Kingdom have called on Iran to return to the negotiating table. In a joint statement, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued an urgent warning to Tehran against further escalation. In the declaration, which was adopted on Merz’s initiative, the three heads of government reaffirm their commitment to peace and stability for all countries in the region and their support for Israel's security. They emphasised that they had consistently made it clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran was no longer to pose a threat to regional security, they said.
“We call on Iran to enter negotiations on an agreement that addresses all concerns about its nuclear programme. We stand ready to contribute to this goal in coordination with all parties involved,” the statement reads. “We urge Iran in the strongest possible terms not to take any further steps that could destabilise the region.” Merz, Macron and Starmer announced that they would continue to pursue their joint diplomatic efforts.
Merz spoke to Macron and Starmer several times on Sunday to discuss the situation in the Middle East. As recently as Friday, the foreign ministers of Germany, France and the UK met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva.