European Powers Welcome US-Iran Deal, Pledge Sanctions Relief for Nuclear Compliance
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy have welcomed the US-Iran peace agreement, signalling readiness to ease sanctions if Tehran takes verifiable steps on its nuclear program. The so-called E4 bloc issued a joint statement on Sunday, describing the development as “a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy.”
The deal, scheduled for signing on Friday, will reportedly initiate 60 days of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Additionally, Tehran will receive $24 billion in frozen assets, with half the funds becoming available before negotiations begin. Iran has committed verbally to never pursuing nuclear weapons, as it will also negotiate the suspension of uranium enrichment.
The European leaders emphasized that Iran “must never acquire a nuclear weapon.” Consequently, they declared readiness to “lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear program.”
Urgent Focus on Strait of Hormuz
The statement urged rapid and comprehensive implementation of the accord. Specifically, the leaders called for the “urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation.” This demand reflects deep concerns over regional trade disruptions and energy security for Gulf states and global markets.
“We will work intensively with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement,” the statement added.
The European countries also pledged close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to verify Iran’s nuclear commitments.
This coordinated European response marks a pivotal step toward de-escalation in the Gulf region. It also offers a potential pathway for reintegrating Iran into the global economy while addressing long-standing proliferation concerns.
