German Foreign Minister Visits Israel to Prevent Escalation of Tensions

Annalen Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, announced on Tuesday, April 17, that she will travel to Israel to discuss ways to prevent escalation of tensions in the region following missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic. In a press conference with her Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, she stated, "It is very important for us as the Federal Government of Germany to cooperate in reducing tensions in the entire region at this sensitive time." The Islamic Republic launched over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel on Saturday night, April 15. According to Israeli and U.S. officials, many of these missiles and drones were intercepted by Israel's air defense and with the help of the air forces of several countries, including the U.S., the U.K., France, and Jordan. Baerbock, who had previously worked with France and other German allies in the European Union to extend sanctions against the Islamic Republic last fall, added that several European officials have indicated they will consider extending the current EU sanctions targeting the production of Iranian drones. The German Foreign Minister expressed hope that EU members would take this step. EU foreign ministers are set to participate in a virtual meeting regarding tensions in the Middle East. Baerbock had previously stated in response to the Islamic Republic's attack that Israel has shown it is powerful and can defend itself against sudden attacks with the help of its strong allies. She noted that the Islamic Republic has become isolated due to its aggressive behavior, which aims to destabilize the entire region. Baerbock urged the Islamic Republic to refrain from further attacks, including through its proxy forces, as regional tensions could have "unpredictable" consequences. On Monday, April 26, following the Islamic Republic's attack on Israel, the German government summoned the Islamic Republic's ambassador to the country. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army stated, "Iran will face the consequences of its actions." An Israeli media outlet reported that Israel will respond to the Iranian government's attack "clearly and powerfully"; NBC stated that Israel's response may be "imminent." Concurrently, with the suspension of the activities of inspectors from the agency, Grossi expressed concern over the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. The global condemnation of the attack on Israel continues; an increasing number of countries are summoning Iranian ambassadors. Italy described the Islamic Republic's attack as a "major mistake" for Tehran and "positive" for Israel. The Czech Republic summoned the Iranian ambassador, stating that the Islamic Republic is endangering the region "with the tacit approval of its Russian friends." Diplomatic pressures on the Islamic Republic continue; Germany summoned the Iranian ambassador.