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.
