World leaders react to Trump's Iran deal, Europe signals potential easing of sanctions
Kyiv • UNN
World leaders supported the US-Iran deal. Israel has reportedly not yet signed the agreement and maintains a military presence in so-called "security zones" in Lebanon, as well as in Gaza and Syria.
European leaders on Monday "cautiously welcomed" U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a peace deal between Tehran and Washington, among other world leaders, UNN writes, citing Politico and CNBC.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas praised the development but emphasized the importance of quickly mitigating the global energy crisis.
Von der Leyen stressed that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz must be a priority. "This agreement should allow for the immediate resumption of operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Freedom of navigation must be restored without fees," she wrote on X.
Kallas, for her part, called the deal a "potential breakthrough."
"It could provide the necessary space for deeper negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and other critical issues. Once implemented, the deal should also ease the global energy crisis," she wrote.
Costa said that differences should be resolved by "peaceful means, in accordance with international law."
Other European leaders also welcomed the agreement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated both the "Iranian side" and President Trump on the deal. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that it "paves the way for comprehensive negotiations for the benefit of peace and security for everyone in the Middle East."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the announcement, reiterating that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon."
At the same time, some European countries signaled a readiness to lift sanctions on Tehran in exchange for the country taking steps to limit its nuclear program.
In a joint statement following the announcement of the deal, the UK, France, Germany, and Italy praised it as a "moment of opportunity for restoring regional stability and stabilizing the global economy," adding that they are ready to lift relevant sanctions in response to "clear and verified steps taken by Iran regarding its nuclear program."
The group, known as the E4, also called in its statement for the "swift and comprehensive implementation of the agreement" and stated that the "urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is of paramount importance."
European countries emphasized that "Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. We are ready to cooperate with the US, Iran, and the IAEA to this end," Reuters reports.
The agreement was welcomed not only in Europe.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the country welcomes the deal as an "important step toward resolving the situation," according to her statement on X on Monday.
"We sincerely hope that this memorandum will be steadily implemented, that free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will be effectively ensured, and that a final agreement on Iran's nuclear issue and other matters will be reached as soon as possible," Takaichi indicated.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated the parties on the deal, calling it a "critical step toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict," and expressed gratitude for the role played by Pakistan, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern countries in supporting the negotiations.
The Australian government stated that while full economic recovery will take time, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is "essential for easing pressure on energy prices," according to a statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Canberra urged all parties to strive for a lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy, and also called on Iran to address long-standing concerns regarding its nuclear program and the threat to international security.
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the agreement in its statement, calling it an "important step toward strengthening sustainable peace and promoting economic growth at regional and international levels."
Trump announced a deal with Iran and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz14.06.26, 23:53 • 7264 views
"The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," Trump wrote on Truth Social late Sunday.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country helped mediate the talks, soon confirmed the announcement, writing on social media that "both sides have declared an immediate and final cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon."
Sharif added that the signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland and thanked the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for their "mediation efforts."
Israel has not yet signed the agreement. Foreign Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that the deal would not be binding for his country. "Israel is not subject to the United States. We are an independent and sovereign country," Israeli media quoted him as saying.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces would remain in so-called "security zones" in Lebanon, as well as in Gaza and Syria. Katz added that Israel would take appropriate measures if Iran attacks the country in response to events in Lebanon.
International leaders are set to gather in Evian on Monday for a G7 summit, where discussions with Middle Eastern partners will be on the agenda. "Europe is ready to play its part," von der Leyen wrote.