German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul defends transatlantic ties, outlines stance on Iran, Ukraine, and Russia

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the transatlantic alliance remains firm and that the United States appreciates Germany's role, while acknowledging room for improvement in Berlin's communication with the U.S. administration.

In an interview published Friday, Wadephul said he has "stetigen Kontakt" (constant contact) with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and that the U.S. "weiß unsere Rolle zu schätzen" (appreciates our role). He described the transatlantic alliance as "fest" (firm) and said the NATO nuclear umbrella cannot be replaced in the foreseeable future and that is not desirable.

On Iran, Wadephul said Germany and the U.S. share the interest of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening Europe with its ballistic missile program. He said Germany is not participating in the Iran war but is willing to participate in a post-war scenario. Iran's leadership would be "sehr gut beraten" (well advised) to accept the U.S. negotiation offer, he said. Wadephul noted that Germany has imposed sanctions on Iran and that he personally worked to have the Revolutionary Guards covered by EU anti-terrorism sanctions.

Regarding Ukraine, Wadephul said Ukraine must have a credible EU accession perspective and that reforms must be pursued with more energy and speed. He said it makes little sense to talk to Russia unless it shows willingness to negotiate substantively, citing demands to cede the Donbass. Russian monthly losses have often exceeded 30,000 soldiers, with only small territorial gains, he said.

On China, Wadephul said Beijing is not taking the role toward Moscow that Europe expects.