In a speech on Tuesday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier directed unusually harsh criticism at the USA and Israel for their warfare in Iran. He stated that a deep crack has emerged between Germany and the USA. Steinmeier added that trust in American power politics has been lost—not only in Europe but throughout the world, and emphasized that there is no possibility of returning to the time before January 20, 2025, referring to Donald Trump's inauguration.
Steinmeier believes that Israel's and the USA's war against Iran violates international law. Meanwhile, Iran has shown openness to peace talks, with an Iranian source to CNN reporting that the country has had contact with the USA via mediators and is ready to listen to sustainable peace proposals that take its interests into account. According to the source, the proposals aim not only for a ceasefire but a concrete agreement to end the conflict.
Iran is ready to give all necessary guarantees that it will never develop nuclear weapons but is entitled to use peaceful nuclear technology, with one demand being that all sanctions against the country be lifted. Sweden is marking further opposition to Iran after the execution of a Swedish citizen, pushing within the EU for sanctions against those who had a role in the legal process that led to the execution, including stopping entry to the EU. Sweden is also stopping short-term visas for diplomatic personnel from Iran, affecting two people at the Iranian embassy, with no new such visas to be granted, meaning the persons will not have their residence permits extended from May.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed concerns about developments in the Middle East and the Iran war. She said much indicates the war in Iran will be prolonged, though impossible to predict how long. She pointed out that the USA seems to lack a plan, with their objectives varying from day to day, which worries her greatly.
Market reactions have been volatile, with Monday's relief rally on the stock market losing momentum after Iran rejected Trump's claim about talks. The Stockholm stock exchange is rising weakly on Tuesday morning, and the oil price has turned up when Iran carried out more attacks against Israel.