NATO & Transatlantic Security — 2026-04-09

Germany Resumes Diplomatic Talks with Iran as EU Positions Itself for Post-War Settlement

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Germany has resumed diplomatic talks with Iran, a parallel track to the US-led Islamabad negotiations. UK PM Starmer said the Iran conflict shows Britain must take a "new path" on defense and foreign policy. EU foreign policy chief Kallas rejected Gulf states' requests for EU support, noting they did not help Ukraine. The European diplomatic moves signal an effort to shape post-war outcomes independent of Washington.

Analysis
Germany opening its own diplomatic track with Iran while the US leads formal negotiations in Islamabad creates a multi-channel dynamic. Merz may be positioning Berlin as an alternative interlocutor if the Vance-led talks stall, or hedging against a deal that excludes European interests. Kallas's rebuff of Gulf states requesting EU support sharpens the transatlantic divergence.
2 sources
  1. Germany has resumed diplomatic talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says - Euronews
  2. UK's Starmer says Iran conflict shows Britain must take a new path - Global Banking and Finance

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