World leaders welcome US-Iran deal

World leaders welcomed the U.S.-Iran agreement to end the Middle East war, with some European nations signaling they were prepared to lift sanctions on Tehran in exchange for the country taking steps to curb its nuclear program.

Below is international reaction to the agreement:

A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres:

“The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement ‌that the United States and Iran have agreed on a peace deal that provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a framework for further negotiations. This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict.”

Joint statement from E4 leaders Britain, France, Germany and Italy:

“Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. We stand ready to work with the U.S., Iran and the IAEA to this end.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Australian Government welcomes the agreement by the United States and Iran. Australia has long called for de-escalation and ⁠an end to the conflict, including in Lebanon. As we have said, the longer this war goes on, the greater the impact will be. Continued restraint and constructive engagement will be essential to prevent further escalation and secure a lasting agreement.”

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker:

“I call on all parties to ensure the swift and full implementation of the memorandum, including the permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz in order to guarantee freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. This agreement opens a window for negotiations towards a more stable and secure Middle East, and I urge all parties to engage constructively. This includes addressing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer:

“We are clear that toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored in the Strait of Hormuz … Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.”

President of the European Council Antonio Costa:

“I welcome the agreement just announced between Washington and Tehran. I look forward to an end to this ‌costly war ⁠and to the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

French President Emmanuel Macron:

“I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, the result of a diplomatic effort to which several partners contributed. I call for its swift and full implementation by all belligerents. This agreement must allow for the urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which the international mission established with the United Kingdom is ready to support.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:

“I welcome the agreement between the U.S. and Iran ⁠and congratulate President Trump and the Iranian side on this diplomatic breakthrough. This can pave the way towards a reinvigorated global economy and a more secure Middle East. It is crucial to implement it with determination.”

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi:

Japan “strongly hopes” that “free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured in practice, and that a final ⁠agreement on Iran’s nuclear issue and other matters will be reached as soon as possible.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters:

“This pivotal, constructive deal is a step towards reducing tensions and promoting stability in a region that is critical to global economic security … Dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of resolving longstanding ⁠issues.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan:

“I view the agreement reached between the United States and Iran as an important development for establishing peace and tranquility in our region, and I welcome it with satisfaction.

“I emphatically underscore the need to avoid rhetoric, provocations, and actions that could escalate tensions in the period leading up to the signing of the agreement, and to remain vigilant against possible sabotage.”

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas:

“The US and Iran have announced a deal to end the war and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a potential breakthrough. It can give much needed space for deeper negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and other critical issues. Once implemented, the deal should also ease the global energy crisis. I have spoken to my Iranian and Gulf counterparts in recent days, and today, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how the EU can be closely involved in the next phase. From economic leverage to nuclear expertise and longstanding relationships with Gulf partners, the EU stands ready to contribute to a sustainable resolution.”