Germany’s foreign minister says it is encouraging if the United States is talking directly to Iran to end the war in the Middle East, but notes that Washington should make its intentions clear, AFP reports.

“I hear that there are signs that the US is speaking directly to Iran. I think that this is encouraging and this is welcome,” Johann Wadephul has told reporters before heading into the meeting of G7 foreign ministers outside Paris.

With US Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to join the discussions from Friday, he adds: “For the German government, it is of great importance to know precisely what our American partners are intending.”