German FM meets Zarif to discuss nuclear deal

DPA, 10TH MAY, 2019 -German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Monday called on Iran to uphold the 2015 nuclear deal as he began a visit aimed at salvaging the agreement following the exit of the United States.

Tehran is at the centre of a flurry of diplomatic activity this week, with Maas and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe among the visitors who seek to prevent an escalation as Iranian leaders are in the process of reciprocating the US exit.

“We know that there are economic advantages that were promised to Iran and that are difficult to realize without the Americans,” Maas said in Tehran.

“But I think there are also political and strategic interests in maintaining this agreement and thus the dialogue with Europe.that must also be recognized in Tehran.” Maas is expected to meet his counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, as well as Iranian President Hassan Rowhani during his visit.

His visit comes about a week after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States “are prepared to engage a conversation with no preconditions,” while adding Washington’s goal is to reverse “the malign activity” of the Islamic Republic.