Can Germany Save Iran’s Nuclear Deal?

Germany said Wednesday there was a “real chance” to rescue the Iran nuclear accord following the latest round of talks in Vienna between Iran and the four world powers still party to the 2015 nuclear deal.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Christofer Burger, the deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman, praised the “constructive” stance in the meeting between senior officials of Iran, China, Russia, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

“I can say that from our point of view all delegations are behaving constructively. From our point of view, there is a real chance to preserve the JCPOA and to achieve a return of the USA to the agreement,” Burger said, referring to the deal’s official name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

He added that it is important for all sides to show a “willingness to compromise” amid intensified diplomatic efforts to return the US to the landmark accord and lift the Trump-era sanctions on Iran.

Burger made also clear all sides face “hard work” ahead to save the nuclear agreement.

The countries will continue to discuss ways to revive the deal, which then-US President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned in May 2018.

A US delegation was also in the Austrian capital on Tuesday in a bid to save the accord, but the team headed by Special Envoy Robert Malley did not participate in the meeting with other world powers, as Iran refuses to directly negotiate with the US until so-called “maximum pressure” sanctions are lifted.