UPDATE - Germany’s Merz calls on Iran to halt nuclear program, warns of risk of escalation

UPDATES WITH MORE COMMENTS FROM MERZ

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA)—German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday called on Iran to enter serious negotiations to halt its nuclear program, warning that the potential for military escalation in the Middle East is great.

Speaking to reporters in Doha, Qatar, Merz said recent developments concerning Iran were among the main issues he plans to tackle during his Gulf tour, amid US warnings of possible military intervention.

“In all my conversations yesterday (in Saudi Arabia) and also here (in Qatar) today, great concern has been expressed about a further escalation in the conflict with Iran,” the conservative leader said.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to call once again on the Iranian leadership to enter into serious negotiations, to end the aggression, to end the nuclear program, as agreed internationally,” he stressed.

Merz said it would be a positive development if such talks with Iran could be achieved in the coming days with US representatives participating.

"In any case, I want to do everything I can to contribute to de-escalation,” he said, adding that Berlin is ready to work with regional partners to ensure stability.

When asked about Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's recent critical comments, Merz dismissed them, saying: "Yes, I saw that tweet, and all I can say is that it clearly expresses great nervousness and insecurity."

Earlier on Thursday, Araghchi criticized Merz for his stance against Iran, his push to reinstate UN sanctions, and his claim that the regime was weeks away from collapse.

Writing on social media, Araghchi said Germany was once the "engine of Europe's progress" but has now become an "engine of regression" under Merz's leadership.

"Germans are a great people who have contributed to humankind with their hard work and ingenuity. Iran has always welcomed strong relations with Germany," he said.

"It is therefore doubly regrettable that an individual such as Mr. Merz now represents Germany on the world stage."