German FM says Iran talks in ‘endgame’

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Saturday joined nuclear talks with Iran in Switzerland, saying the negotiations were in the “endgame.”

“After 10 or almost 12 years of talks with Iran, the endgame of the lengthy talks, so to speak, is beginning here,” Steinmeier told reporters before joining his U.S., French and Iranian counterparts in Lausanne ahead of a Tuesday deadline to agree the outlines of a deal.

“And here, with a view of the Swiss mountains, I’m reminded that as one sees the cross on the summit, the final meters are the most difficult but also the decisive ones,” he said.

“That’s what has to be done here in the coming hours and days. I can only hope that in view of what has been achieved over the last 12 months that the attempt for a final agreement here will not be abandoned.”

He added that a successful conclusion of the nuclear talks with Iran “could perhaps bring a bit more calm” to the Middle East.