Iran and Germany Relations Amid Conservative Protests, Syrian War, and Human Rights Issues

During the visit of the German Minister of Economy to Iran, the Iranian Ministry of Economy announced the signing of 10 economic agreements between the two countries. However, protests and attacks from conservative figures against Germany and the Tehran government have continued during this visit. Sigmar Gabriel, the German Minister of Economy, arrived in Tehran on October 4, and according to the IRNA news agency, Mohammad Khazaei, the Iranian Deputy Minister of Economy, stated that the two countries 'have signed 10 economic agreements.' Reuters also reported that agreements were made with Siemens for the modernization and reconstruction of Iran's railways. Siemens is a multinational German company active in telecommunications, electricity, medicine, and railways, and is considered one of the most important and extensive equipment companies in the world. Reports indicate that 120 economic managers accompanied the German Minister of Economy on his trip to Iran, which aimed to practically expand trade and economic relations between the two sides following the nuclear agreement. Germany was among the first countries to express interest in expanding relations with Tehran after the nuclear agreement and sent a trade delegation to Tehran. According to the Iranian Ministry of Economy's information portal, Mohammad Khazaei stated that 'the Ministry of Economic Affairs and other ministries support the expansion of cooperation with Germany and its private sector, and German investors can benefit from Iran's support and guarantees.' Meanwhile, news agencies reported that the German Minister of Economy is also expected to discuss 'the implementation of U.S. commitments regarding the JCPOA' with the U.S. government and work towards 'reducing U.S. economic sanctions.' Iranian officials have criticized the U.S. government in recent months, stating that Washington is 'breaching' the nuclear agreement. U.S. officials have emphatically denied these claims, stating that they adhere to all details of the nuclear agreement. Despite the lifting of nuclear sanctions, Iran still faces other U.S. sanctions related to issues such as human rights violations, allegations of state-sponsored terrorism, and ballistic missile development. Reuters states that Germany was Tehran's most important economic partner for decades, but sanctions have allowed countries like China to take its place in Iran. Before Sigmar Gabriel's visit to Iran, this German official stated that normal and friendly relations between Berlin and Tehran would only be possible if Iran recognizes Israel. These statements faced criticism from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, which announced that Tehran 'does not accept preconditions.' At the same time, Amnesty International stated that Mr. Gabriel promised to discuss the human rights situation in Iran with Iranian officials. Syria and disagreements over the future political situation in that country were other topics raised during the German Minister of Economy's visit. The Iranian Deputy Minister of Economy also referred to the 'disagreements' between the two sides regarding Syria and Israel, stating that both sides 'have different views... but they are trying to ensure that these political disagreements do not negatively impact economic and cultural cooperation.' However, conservative figures have intensified their criticisms and even questioned the very premise of Mr. Gabriel's visit. Aladdin Boroujerdi, Chairman of the National Security Commission of the Parliament, stated that if the German Minister of Economy 'is under an illusion, it is essential' for him to change his views regarding the Islamic Republic. Stronger protests have emerged from the head of the judiciary. Sadeq Larijani stated that if he were in the position of government officials, he would not allow the German Minister of Economy and his entourage to enter Iran: 'We must block the way for these individuals until they step forward with an apology.' This senior judicial official criticized reports regarding human rights discussions, stating that the Iranian government should not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs. Larijani stated that sanctioning countries should apologize to Iran. The European Union, of which Germany is a key member, also imposes other sanctions against Tehran besides nuclear sanctions. These sanctions are mainly related to issues such as human rights violations. Shortly after the widespread crackdown on protests against the presidential election in 2009 and other events in the late 2000s, EU members expressed concern about 'the sharp increase in executions and the systematic repression of Iranian citizens' and agreed on sanctions against 'human rights violators.' Sadeq Larijani himself is on the EU's list of human rights sanctions.