When Germany's Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel entered Iran Oct. 2, accompanied by more than 100 German businessmen, he probably did not expect that some of his comments would cause a minor diplomatic crisis between the two countries and reactions in every Iranian newspaper.

In an interview with the German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, Gabriel listed the issues he planned to discuss with Iranian officials during his visit to Tehran. Among the matters Gabriel brought up was Iran's role in the war in Syria, its human rights record and how friendly relations with Germany would only be possible once Iran recognizes Israel.

Gabriel’s comments were harshly criticized by Iranian judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani. In an interview with Mizan, a media outlet close to the judiciary, on Oct. 3, Larijani said, “Officials of the Islamic Republic [of Iran] will not allow [figures] such as the German minister to interfere in [Iran’s] internal affairs, and I suggest to the government and the foreign minister that they not allow these figures to enter the country.” Larijani, who is directly appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, added, "Apparently, he has been sleeping and does not know that Iran has for the past 30-odd years resisted these types of demands and endured great pressures in pursuit of its beliefs.”

In this vein, parliament Speaker Ali Larijani — a brother of the judiciary chief — canceled his meeting with Gabriel without providing a reason. Later on Oct. 3, news surfaced that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had canceled a meeting with the visiting German minister as well. Amid speculations of the reason for the cancellation, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said it was “due to Zarif’s busy schedule.” However, Gabriel late on Oct. 3 reportedly held an “unexpected” meeting with Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri.