German FM: Upholding Nuclear Deal Worthwhile

Germany’s top diplomat said on Saturday European countries maintain that it is worthwhile to explore every viable option to shore up the hard-earned international agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program. 
Having just landed in Baghdad, the first stop on his Middle East tour that includes a trip to Iran, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas issued a statement saying, “We Europeans are convinced it is worth every effort to work hard for the preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,” according to a press release by Germany’s Foreign Ministry. 
He noted that the continued and full implementation of the nuclear deal remains key to Middle East stability and security.
Referring to the standoff between Tehran and Washington, the minister said, “Following the recent escalation, we are duty-bound as European neighbors to advocate de-escalation and peaceful reconciliation.”
Maas stressed that Europeans must not only call for dialogue, but also engage in it, especially where positions appear hopelessly entrenched and long-standing conflicts run deep. 
“There is a clear danger that miscalculation, misunderstandings or provocations in a very tense region could have unforeseeable consequences,” he said.