In his meeting with the Foreign Minister of Germany, President Hassan Rouhani stated: “Today, the JCPOA has turned into a reason for pessimism toward the concept of negotiation.” He added: “There is still a chance to save this agreement.”

The German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas emphasized on “keeping the lines of communication open in these difficult times” and said the European Union is trying to deescalate the tensions in the region and will do everything it can to do so.

President Rouhani also criticized Europe regarding their response to United States’ sanctions against Iran, saying: “During the past year, despite relatively appropriate political stances, we did not witness any serious action from Europe, and now we have to make a decision that would benefit us, you, and all the countries in the region.”

Rouhani declared: “The Islamic Republic will never face a dead end through sanctions and pressure, and if the European countries believe that the JCPOA is beneficial to the relations between Iran and the EU and the peace, stability, and security of the region, they should make efforts to protect it and take serious steps.”

He described U.S sanctions as “economic terrorism against Iranian people” and asked Europe to stand against it.

Maas stated that Germany and the EU are trying to deescalate the tension in the region and will do everything they can in that regard.”

The German Foreign Minister went on to say that Germany and EU are trying their best to comply with their commitments to the JCPOA, saying “we cannot work miracles, but we will try to avert a failure.”