Merkel backs more sanctions against Iran

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sign a guest book during a visit at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin on Monday. Photo: AP.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says her country will back tougher sanctions against Iran if the country doesn’t change its tune on its nuclear programme.

Ms. Merkel said after meeting Israel’s prime minister on Monday that “if Iran’s reactions don’t change, we will help work on comprehensive sanctions.”

She said that Germany hopes to achieve agreement on that in the U.N. Security Council, but if that isn’t possible it also would participate in sanctions along with “countries that are pursuing the same aim.”

Germany has long been part of the group of nations seeking to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.