TEHRAN – On Tuesday, both the Iranian parliament speaker and foreign minister cancelled meetings with German Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel who had visited Iran at the head of an economic delegation. 

Neither of the sides has given reason for the cancellation. However, it should have been linked to remarks Gabriel had made before the start of his trip to Tehran. 

Gabriel had said a normalization of relations between the two countries depends on, inter alia, Tehran recognizing Israel. 

Iran does not recognize Israel and has been unfailingly supportive of the Palestinian liberation.   

In a similar vein, Iran’s Judiciary Chief Sadeq Larijani appeared tough on Gabriel’s visit on Monday, saying, "If I were in the government's position or in the foreign minister's shoes I would never let such a person come to Iran.”

Before Gabriel’s arrival to Tehran, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had replied to his comments, stressing, “No one can set conditions for Iran and Iran is an independent country.” 

Also, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi had dismissed any precondition to normalize ties as unacceptable, saying, “Ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Germany are based on mutual respect and interests, and no precondition would be acceptable in this regard.” 

Gabriel, who headed a 160-strong delegation to Iran, has been seeking closer contacts with Tehran since the conclusion of an international deal over Iran’s nuclear program. 

The two sides signed 10 memoranda of understanding during the visit, including documents on railway and banking. 

AK/PA