Merkel's Tepid Response to Europe's Payment System Independence Solution for Preserving the JCPOA

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, despite agreeing with her foreign minister's statements about changing relations between Europe and the United States, did not confirm that separating the European Union's payment system from the U.S. is a solution to preserve the nuclear deal with Iran. Recently, Heiko Maas, Germany's foreign minister, suggested that Europe should make its financial payment system independent from the United States in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the return of Washington's sanctions against Tehran. European powers are trying to assure Iran that despite U.S. sanctions, it can still benefit economically from the nuclear deal if it remains in compliance. However, on Wednesday, August 22, Merkel stated regarding Europe's actions to keep Iran satisfied and Europe's response to the U.S.: 'Regarding a different payment system, I must say that we have problems with Iran. On one hand, we know that there are issues related to financing terrorism, for example, SWIFT, and this is a very important matter.' She further noted that it is very important for Europe to maintain good cooperation with the United States in security matters. Heiko Maas had written that it is vital for Europe to enhance its independence by creating independent payment channels and establishing a European monetary fund and an independent SWIFT system for financial transactions. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry explained that Maas wanted to draw attention to the discussion about how Europe relates to the U.S., including how to preserve the nuclear deal despite the U.S. withdrawal. The spokesperson also mentioned that Germany is consulting with its partners, including Britain and France. He emphasized that keeping payment channels open is vital for preserving the nuclear deal with Iran. Merkel stated that she had read the note and found it comprehensive, aligning with her thoughts. The German Chancellor ultimately emphasized that Europe must be the master of its own destiny.