Overview

• In his debut address to the General Assembly, Johann Wadephul called conditions in Gaza a humanitarian nightmare, urged an immediate end to the fighting, demanded the release of hostages, and backed a two‑state solution.
• Wadephul voiced doubt about deploying German forces to any Gaza peace mission, stressing humanitarian support and pointing to readiness from Muslim‑majority states to contribute troops.
• He defended the E3 decision to trigger the UN snapback of Iran sanctions and offered Tehran new nuclear talks once the measures are reimposed.
• The minister condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and countered Sergej Lawrow’s attacks by invoking core principles of the UN Charter.
• Using the UN stage to campaign for a 2027/28 Council seat, Wadephul called for UN reform with more seats for under‑represented regions, as Germany faces competition from Austria and Portugal and scrutiny over its stance on Palestinian recognition.