Germany summons top Iranian diplomat in country over attack on Israel

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - Germany’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned Iran’s top diplomat in the country over Tehran’s missile attack on Israel.

Since the ambassador was not in the city, it was made clear to the embassy’s number two, the charge d'affaires, that the federal government condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and there was no justification for it, ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer told reporters in Berlin.

At the same time, Iran was called on to refrain from further attacks, including via its allies and proxies.

Asked about further sanctions on Iran, Fischer said they were now looking at "a whole toolbox of measures" together with European and international partners.

Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit also said there would be a G7 meeting at the level of heads of state and government late Wednesday. In addition to Germany, the G7 countries of economically strong democracies include France, Italy, the UK, Canada, the US, and Japan.

According to Fischer, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is scheduled to coordinate with her colleagues from the US, Britain, France, and Italy.

Fischer also said that Qatar could play a mediating role in de-escalating the conflict between Iran and Israel.

“Qatar is certainly one of the countries that can help prevent the situation from escalating further. Qatar is also involved in the talks about the cease-fire in Gaza, which are continuing and which we hope will come to a conclusion, a good conclusion, and can lead to the last Israeli hostages being released,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Germany urged its citizens to leave Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for Iran after Israeli media reported that Tel Aviv is mulling attacks on Iran's oil rigs and nuclear sites in response to yesterday’s missile attack.

“On Oct. 1, 2024, the Iranian armed forces carried out a missile attack on Israel. A counter-response from the Israeli armed forces is to be expected. Attacks on Iranian territory cannot be ruled out,” the ministry said. ​​​​​​​

“Longer closures of Iranian airspace, airports, and land borders as well as further cancellations of flight connections cannot be ruled out,” it said.

On Tuesday, Iran fired some 180 missiles at Israel, which said it was in retaliation for the recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, and an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander.

Israel vowed late Tuesday to respond to the attack at a time of its choosing, calling it “a severe, dangerous escalation.”