German–Iranian Relations after the Nuclear Deal: Geopolitical and Economic Dimensions

Abstract:

Germany and Iran, being the most populated countries of Europe and West Asia respectively, have shared a long history on various levels, politically, economically and culturally. Traditionally, Germany has been deemed Iran’s closest partner in Europe although its policy towards Iran during the so-called nuclear crisis in the 2000s largely followed Washington’s lead due to Germany’s joining of the latter’s coercive diplomacy.

With the start of the nuclear negotiations in 2013, Berlin has then played a positive role during the negotiations that culminated in the July 2015 nuclear deal. In light of these developments, this article will review German–Iranian political and economic relations.