Are we entering a period when traditional diplomacy holds less sway and states increasingly turn to force? Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, has been trying to answer that question by pushing a diplomatic course this week. Wadephul kept a full schedule: he met Turkey’s foreign minister, joined an energy-security conference at the German Foreign Office with colleagues from the economics ministry, and received delegations including the UAE foreign minister and Jordan’s crown prince.
The energy-security discussions drew on lessons from Ukraine’s defenses against attacks on critical infrastructure—experience German officials say could inform their own protections. Wadephul’s outreach to Gulf leaders is aimed at building reliable partnerships as tensions around the Iran conflict persist.
In late April, Chancellor Friedrich Merz told members of his party he was “disillusioned” by how the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran had unfolded. Expectations of a quick resolution did not materialize, and Merz stressed that Germany would continue European diplomatic efforts. He said Berlin is coordinating with Washington but also advancing its own European proposals for de-escalation.
That explains the current focus on the Gulf states: countries there have frequently been targeted by Iran and are increasingly worried about a stalemate in the fighting and Russia’s backing of Tehran. German officials and analysts say the United States’ role as security partner and mediator has weakened, opening space for Germany to offer a commitment to a rules-based international order.
Observers note that Germany’s interest in deeper ties with the Gulf predates the Iran crisis. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation points out senior German leaders had already been visiting the region to signal long-term strategic cooperation. Recent meetings, including one with Brunei’s sultan—whose country chairs ASEAN—also reflect concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, whose partial closure has hurt maritime trade and regional economies.
Beyond short-term security, Gulf states could become important partners for Germany’s future energy transition, notably in producing green hydrogen. Wadephul’s active diplomacy also serves another purpose: bolstering Germany’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, with the General Assembly set to decide on June 3.
This article was translated from German.