German foreign minister voices caution over early end to war in Iran

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday expressed caution about the prospects of an early end to the war in Iran.

The United States remains focused on reducing Iran's military capabilities, "which pose a threat to its neighbours and also to Europe, to such an extent that this danger no longer exists," Wadephul said at a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Konstantinos Kombos in Nicosia.

"I think these attacks will continue until this goal is achieved or the Iranian side has shown a serious willingness to negotiate," he added.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump on Monday suggested the war with Iran, which has spiralled into a regional conflict, was "pretty much complete."

Wadephul said European leaders must "position themselves very quickly now so that we can also play a role in these negotiations."

The German foreign minister pledged solidarity with Cyprus in the event of possible new attacks with Iranian missiles or drones, but he again rejected military support.

If a security situation arises "where Cyprus needs Germany, Germany will be there," he said.

The mutual assistance clause in the EU Treaty applies, and Germany will fulfil its obligations - but Wadephul pointed to military burden-sharing within the EU, highlighting that numerous Mediterranean powers are supporting Cyprus.

Germany is active in the Baltic Sea and the Baltic States, Wadephul said.

Cyprus is the closest EU member state to the Middle East.

The island in the eastern Mediterranean is only about 150 to 250 kilometres away from Lebanon and Israel.

Last week, an Iranian-made drone struck a British air base in Cyprus, causing minor damage. 

Greece responded by sending four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates. France, Italy and Spain also sent ships to the region.

Kombos thanked all the countries "that responded quickly and reaffirmed their support for Cyprus' defence capabilities through concrete and tangible measures."