JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul launched a harsh criticism of Russia and China for the continued support of the two countries for the Iranian regime amid a wave of anti-government protests sweeping the country.
"The cooperation between Iran, Russia, and partly China - this triangle is responsible for many misfortunes in the world," Johann Wadephul told public broadcaster ARD during a visit to Washington, DC, as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, January 14.
Wadephul accused the Iranian government of suppressing demonstrations and using excessive force against protesters, and said the regime had lost its legitimacy to rule the country.
"This regime must be firmly isolated," said Wadephul.
The German minister also added that Berlin had stepped up diplomatic efforts to push for tougher sanctions as well as to include the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on the EU's anti-terror sanctions list.
When asked about US President Donald Trump's warning to Iran and speculation about a possible military intervention, Wadephul said he had discussed the latest developments with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"I don't know what the final decision is. We have discussed this issue and I was only told that there was no final decision. The regime in Iran must have realized that this president is capable and willing to take such a step. We can observe this in recent weeks," he explained.
Germany, a key ally of Israel, has taken a hard line against the Iranian government amid widespread protests in the country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously stated that the Tehran regime was living its last days and weeks.
Meanwhile, the Iranian ambassador was also summoned to the German Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
"The Iranian regime's brutal actions against its own people are truly shocking," the ministry said.
"We urge Iran to stop violence against its citizens and respect their rights," the statement added.
Iran has been rocked by waves of protests since December 28, triggered by a plunge in the value of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations have since spread to a number of other cities.
Iranian government officials have accused the United States and Israel of being behind the riots and acts of terrorism.
There are no official figures on the number of victims. However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an US-based human rights group, estimates that more than 2,500 people have been killed.
HRANA also noted that security forces and protesters, as well as more than 1,100 others were injured, and 18,000 people were detained. However, these figures have not been independently verified and differ from other estimates.
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