BERLIN -- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday clarified that Germany has no intention of participating in military operations against Iran.

In an interview with German radio station Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul expressed concerns over the escalation in the Middle East.

France, Britain, and Germany on Sunday issued a joint statement saying they would "take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region."

Wadephul emphasized that the interpretation of this statement varies by country.

"For us, it means nothing more than that our Bundeswehr soldiers would defend themselves if they were attacked," he added.

He noted that while Britain has decided to provide bases for U.S. use, Germany has neither the military assets in the area nor the intention to join such actions.