In response to the Israeli and US attacks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has suspended his country’s co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a joint statement, Germany, France and the United Kingdom had previously called on the Iranian authorities to refrain from any measures aimed at ending cooperation with the IAEA: “We urge Iran to immediately resume full co-operation in accordance with its legally binding obligations, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of IAEA personnel.”

At their meeting in Canada, the G7 foreign ministers also called on Iran to immediately resume full cooperation with the IAEA. In addition, all verifiable information on all nuclear material in Iran should be made available to the organisation and IAEA inspectors should be granted access.

In the view of the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, it is particularly important following the attacks to localise and check any uranium in Iran that is almost suitable for nuclear weapons. 

“Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation sends a devastating signal; it removes the Iranian nuclear programme from any international supervision, which is essential for a diplomatic solution. Iran must revoke this decision”, appealed the Federal Foreign Office on X.

Threats against IAEA chief Grossi

An Iranian newspaper had previously called for the death penalty for IAEA chief Grossi. “The threats from Iran are deeply worrying”, Foreign Minister Wadephul made clear on X. In their statement, Germany, France and the United Kingdom condemned the threats against the Director General of the IAEA and “reaffirm our full support for the organisation and its Director General in the exercise of their mandate.” 

Ceasefire between Iran and Israel

In his government statement, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised the ceasefire between Iran and Israel declared by US President Donald Trump: “If this ceasefire succeeds after the decisive military strikes by the US and the Israeli army against the Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, then there is a possibility for very good progress that can make the Middle East and the world safer.” 

At the European Council, the Federal Chancellor welcomed the ceasefire together with the other EU heads of state and government. In their conclusions , the EU member states urged all parties to comply with international law and exercise restraint. 

Extermination of the State of Israel is Iran’s raison d’être

The Federal Chancellor once again made this clear in his government statement: “Israel has a right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens.”

“We hope today that the actions of Israel and the United States of America in recent days will permanently deter Iran from coming even closer to its destructive goal”, said the Chancellor. Not only Israel, but also Europe and the world as a whole are threatened by this Iranian nuclear programme, he said. And he emphasised: “For years, part of the mullah regime’s raison d’état has been the annihilation of the state of Israel. Our raison d’état is the defence of the State of Israel in its existence.”

Iran must never have nuclear weapons

On 22 June 2025, the United States launched targeted military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Following this, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the situation in the Middle East with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In a joint declaration, Germany, France and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region and their support for Israel’s security.

“We have consistently made it clear that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons”, emphasised Merz. “Iran must no longer pose a threat to regional security.” The goal remains to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, Merz said.

Read the joint statement of the E3 states on the developments in Iran here.

What the German Federal Government is doing diplomatically

Germany intends to continue its diplomatic efforts, particularly within the framework of the E3 together with France and the UK and in close consultation with the USA. Germany calls on Iran to enter into immediate nuclear negotiations. The Federal Government is using all the channels at its disposal to help prevent the situation from escalating further.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had previously met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva together with his counterparts from France and the UK. There, he made it clear that Iran must participate in negotiations. The enrichment of uranium carried out by Iran had gone far beyond any meaningful civilian use, said Wadephul.

Israel’s right to self-defence

Progress in the development of an Iranian nuclear weapon led to Israel attacking military targets in Iran on 13 June 2025. In an initial statement on the attacks, Chancellor Merz emphasised that Israel had the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens. This view was also underlined by a joint G7 declaration adopted by the heads of state and government at their summit in Canada on 17 June 2025. 

Read the joint statement of the G7 here: G7 Leaders’ Statement on Recent Developments Between Israel And Iran 

Security situation in Germany

The Federal Government has agreed, through the Security Cabinet, to take all necessary precautions to protect German citizens in Israel, Iran and the region. “We are also preparing ourselves in Germany for scenarios in which Iran targets Israeli or Jewish targets within Germany.”

The Federal Foreign Office has compiled a list of important questions and answers German nationals (only german) travelling to the Middle East.