Talks that could lift US sanctions against Iran and ease an ailing tanker market are entering their final phase, a German official said on Thursday in Tel Aviv.

Following a meeting with Israeli leaders, foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said negotiations had reached a “very critical point”.

“[I am] convinced that a full restoration of the JCPOA would make the region more secure, including Israel, otherwise we would not be having these talks,” she said, according to a US Associated Press report.