{"id":1874440,"date":"2026-04-09T17:42:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T14:42:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874440"},"modified":"2026-04-09T17:42:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T14:42:58","slug":"germany-has-resumed-diplomatic-talks-with-iran-chancellor-friedrich-merz-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874440","title":{"rendered":"Germany has resumed diplomatic talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_af533320-8310-5723-b5db-4dafcbef81b5-9716266.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885037-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885037\" data-cid=\"9716555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885037-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Venezuela<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885024-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885024\" data-cid=\"9716517\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885024-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_4ded0313-f1c0-5a07-bcad-5dcdf77d6b4f-9716517.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A giant Vietnamese national flag is displayed outside a balcony in the old quarter of Hanoi, 30 August, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Netherlands<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885037-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885037\" data-cid=\"9716555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885037-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Venezuela<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885024-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885024\" data-cid=\"9716517\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885024-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_4ded0313-f1c0-5a07-bcad-5dcdf77d6b4f-9716517.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A giant Vietnamese national flag is displayed outside a balcony in the old quarter of Hanoi, 30 August, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Netherlands<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Germany<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Germany has resumed diplomatic talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/66\/1536x864_cmsv2_af533320-8310-5723-b5db-4dafcbef81b5-9716266.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to media at the chancellery in Berlin, 9 April, 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to media at the chancellery in Berlin, 9 April, 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspFranziska M\u00fcller&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspGavin Blackburn\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775756578\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-09 19:42:58 +02:00\">09\/04\/2026 &#8211; 19:42 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" 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loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Merz also said that the continued Israeli military campaign in Lebanon could jeopardise peace talks expected between the United States and Iran over the war in the Middle East.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday that Germany had resumed talks with Iran after a fragile truce was reached between Tehran and Washington that could lead to peace negotiations.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;After a long period silence, which we had serious reasons for, we are now as a government restarting talks with Tehran,&#8221; Merz told reporters, adding that this would being done &#8220;in coordination with the United States and our European partners.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There have been no high-level talks between Berlin and Tehran since summer 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Relations deteriorated at the beginning of the 2020s when Germany, along with the other E3 countries, France and the United Kingdom, criticised what they saw as Iran&#8217;s non-compliance with the landmark international nuclear deal, which effectively collapsed in 2018 after the US withdrawal.<\/p>\n<p>The E3 group later triggered the snapback mechanism which saw previously suspended sanctions reimposed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/66\/808x539_cmsv2_75d59063-a1da-5d56-97ac-74f9a2f9b34d-9716266.jpg\" alt=\"A government supporter waves an Iranian flag during a gathering in Tehran, 9 April, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">A government supporter waves an Iranian flag during a gathering in Tehran, 9 April, 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Berlin was also critical of the Iranian government&#8217;s heavy handed response to widespread protests in 2022 after the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly.<\/p>\n<p>And in 2024, Germany announced it would close all three Iranian consulates in response to the execution German-Iranian national Jamshid Sharmahd on charges of plotting and directing terrorist attacks.<\/p>\n<p>In recent weeks, the French government has had official contact with Iranian authorities and Spain announced on Thursday that it would reopen its embassy in Tehran.<\/p>\n<h2>Jeapardising peace talks<\/h2>\n<p>Merz also said that the continued Israeli military campaign in Lebanon could jeopardise peace talks expected between the United States and Iran over the war in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We view the situation in southern Lebanon with particular concern,&#8221; Merz said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The severity with which Israel is waging war there could cause the peace process as a whole to fail, and that must not be allowed to happen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>US President Donald Trump claimed victory in the war after agreeing a two-week truce to allow talks between US and Iranian negotiators.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/66\/808x539_cmsv2_7027627e-2db8-5ae8-bfbb-4758e877e215-9716266.jpg\" alt=\"A Lebanese civil defence worker looks on as an excavator operates on the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli air strike in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">A Lebanese civil defence worker looks on as an excavator operates on the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli air strike in Beirut, 9 April, 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>But calls have grown for the fragile agreement to be expanded to cover Lebanon amid the continued Israeli offensive in the country.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanon was drawn into the war after Hezbollah launched rocket fire on Israel to avenge the death of Iran&#8217;s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.<\/p>\n<p>Israel then invaded and staged air raids across Lebanon in a campaign that has killed more than 1,500 people, according to Lebanese authorities.<\/p>\n<p>Merz said Germany wants to see &#8220;a swift end to a military escalation that is increasingly destabilising the Middle East.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-contributors c-article-contributors-supplementary u-margin-top-2 u-padding-top-2\">\n<p>Additional sources<strong> \u2022 AFP<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  German Bundestag chief visits Baltic states to discuss cyber defence on NATO&#8217;s eastern flank<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Rescued US airman treated in Germany after CIA located him in Iran by heartbeat<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Germany and Italy propose EU \u2018kill switch\u2019 for global stablecoins<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Iran war<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Germany<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Strait of Hormuz<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Shipping<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Lebanon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Friedrich Merz<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884975-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_a9d37949-c539-5b43-88c7-afe577024bdf-9716233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='Donald Trump has pitched a \"joint venture\" for the Strait of Hormuz.' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/320x180_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885037-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885037\" data-cid=\"9716555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885037-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884572-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884572\" data-cid=\"9714163\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Undertourism: The European countries hardly 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data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon<br \/>\n  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<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884568-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884568\" data-cid=\"9714135\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral dead air: Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884726-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884726\" data-cid=\"9715052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Closing Strait of Hormuz &#8216;completely unacceptable,&#8217; White House says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884839-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884839\" data-cid=\"9715503\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Infantile name calling&#8217;: George Clooney responds to White House slur<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884625-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884625\" data-cid=\"9714403\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday that Germany had resumed talks with Iran after a fragile truce was reached between Tehran and Washington that could lead to peace negotiations.&#8221;After a long period silence, which we had serious reasons for, we are now as a government restarting talks with Tehran,&#8221; Merz told reporters, adding that this would being done &#8220;in coordination with the United States and our European partners.&#8221;There have been no high-level talks between Berlin and Tehran since summer 2025.Relations deteriorated at the beginning of the 2020s when Germany, along with the other E3 countries, France and the United Kingdom, criticised what they saw as Iran&#8217;s non-compliance with the landmark international nuclear deal, which effectively collapsed in 2018 after the US withdrawal.The E3 group later triggered the snapback mechanism which saw previously suspended sanctions reimposed.Berlin was also critical of the Iranian government&#8217;s heavy handed response to widespread protests in 2022 after the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly.And in 2024, Germany announced it would close all three Iranian consulates in response to the execution German-Iranian national Jamshid Sharmahd on charges of plotting and directing terrorist attacks.In recent weeks, the French government has had official contact with Iranian authorities and Spain announced on Thursday that it would reopen its embassy in Tehran.Jeapardising peace talksMerz also said that the continued Israeli military campaign in Lebanon could jeopardise peace talks expected between the United States and Iran over the war in the Middle East.&#8221;We view the situation in southern Lebanon with particular concern,&#8221; Merz said.&#8221;The severity with which Israel is waging war there could cause the peace process as a whole to fail, and that must not be allowed to happen.&#8221;US President Donald Trump claimed victory in the war after agreeing a two-week truce to allow talks between US and Iranian negotiators.But calls have grown for the fragile agreement to be expanded to cover Lebanon amid the continued Israeli offensive in the country.Lebanon was drawn into the war after Hezbollah launched rocket fire on Israel to avenge the death of Iran&#8217;s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Israel then invaded and staged air raids across\u00a0Lebanon\u00a0in a campaign that has killed more than 1,500 people, according to Lebanese authorities.Merz said Germany wants to see &#8220;a swift end to a military escalation that is increasingly destabilising the Middle East.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/04\/09\/germany-has-resumed-diplomatic-talks-with-iran-chancellor-friedrich-merz-says&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_af533320-8310-5723-b5db-4dafcbef81b5-9716266.jpg&#8221;] Ukraine Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says USA US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse Venezuela Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises Netherlands EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe Ukraine Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin 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