Speaking at the opening of an economic forum, Gabriel said Germany wanted to "remind the United States of the commitment to get to an effective dismantling of sanctions."
Iran's Deputy Economy Minister Mohammad Khazaei said 10 economic agreements would be signed on the sidelines of Gabriel's visit. "I hope that this will smooth the way between both countries," he said.Germany appears to be inching towards better relations with the Islamic Republic as it courts closer economic and security ties, highlighted by a reported intelligence meeting last month. On September 6, German intelligence authorities met with Iran’s Minister of Intelligence Mahmoud Alavi in Berlin, according to the Tasnim News Agency in Tehran, a paper with close links to the Revolutionary Guards Corps.It is remains unclear what the intelligence officials discussed, but according to Dr. Kazem Moussavi, an Iranian exile in Germany, the meeting was held in preparation for a possible visit by Iranian President Hassan Rouhan later this year."It would be a huge scandal if German security authorities collaborated in these efforts. Alavi should be brought to justice rather than enjoying an official reception,” Moussavi said.Officials in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's administration have repeatedly said it will not normalize relations with Iran until the Islamic Republic recognizes Israel’s right to exist. Critics see the possible Rouhani visit as Germany abandoning Israel in a crucial foreign policy matter.Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this article.