German FM arrives in Iran as race to save nuclear deal continues

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas arrived in Tehran June 10 to meet with Iranian leaders and discuss ways to reduce tensions with the United States amid efforts to save the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

Maas met for two hours with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif before a joint press conference. Maas said the Middle East is currently in a “sensitive and serious situation,” adding that “the increase in tensions in the region is not in anyone’s interests.” Maas visited Jordan, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates before arriving in Tehran. Of his meetings in those countries, he said, “No one wants an increase in tensions and I’m bringing this message from the region to Tehran.”