The German government's reaction was predictable, says Hans-Jakob Schindler, a Middle East expert with the international organization Counter Extremism Project. Germany plays only a secondary role in the Middle East conflict and is unable to actively mediate. "Certainly, one could offer to do so. But now the direct negotiations between the US and the Iranians are crucial," Schindler told DW. "The negotiating format of the past—Germany, France, Great Britain, and the US with the Iranians—is no longer part of this formula. Unfortunately, the Europeans are now more spectators than actors in this conflict."