'Opportunity to restore regional peace, stabilise global economy': US-Iran breakthrough draws global support
Paris, June 15
Leaders across Europe and the Indo-Pacific on Monday welcomed the landmark peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a rare diplomatic opening to restore stability in West Asia, revive freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and ease mounting pressure on global energy markets and economic growth and with creating momentum for a lasting resolution of concerns surrounding Tehran's nuclear programme.
They also hailed the steps between Tehran and Washington towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz as an essential factor to the burden of energy prices being felt across global economies.
The statement from the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy noted that now it is essential that the detailed negotiations conclude and that this agreement be implemented swiftly and fully.
They called it a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy.
"The urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation, is essential. We are committed to playing our part in achieving this--in accordance with our respective constitutional requirements--including through a strictly defensive and independent mission aimed at reassuring commercial traffic and conducting mine-clearing operations," they said in the statement.
They reiterated the call for Iran to never acquire nuclear weapons and said, "We are ready to work with the United States, Iran, and the IAEA toward this end. We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear and verifiable steps taken by Iran regarding its nuclear program."
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed the agreement on the MoU regarding the cessation of hostilities as a major step towards resolving the situation.
In a post on X, she expressed optimism and said. "In the future, we strongly hope that this memorandum will be steadily implemented, that free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will be actually ensured, and that a final agreement on Iran's nuclear issue and other matters will be realised at the earliest possible date."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a post on X, encouraged all parties to use the opportunity to pursue a "durable and lasting peace" via dialogue and diplomacy.
"We are pleased the agreement between the US and Iran includes steps towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of freedom of navigation. While full recovery will take time, restoring this vital corridor is essential to easing pressure on energy prices and economies, including in our region," he said.
"Iran must address longstanding concerns about its nuclear program and threat it poses to international security," the Australian PM added.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that the agreement is a step towards reducing tensions and strengthening global stability. He highlighted how the Kiwis had been hit due to the conflict and said that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will help keep their economy moving.
"Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will help restore stable trade routes, get fuel flowing, and keep our economy moving," Luxon said.
The major diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran was announced on Sunday, with President Trump saying that the agreement would bring "peace and security" to West Asia and facilitate the reopening of the critical energy chokepoint Strait of Hormuz.
Following the announcement, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the peace deal and outlined Tehran's conditions for moving forward with negotiations.
According to Iran's state-affiliated Press TV, Gharibabadi said the official signing ceremony would take place on Friday, after which the text of the Memorandum of Understanding would be released publicly.
He stated that Iran would enter a proposed 60-day negotiation period for a final agreement only after verifying that the United States had fulfilled commitments related to ending hostilities, lifting the blockade and releasing Iranian assets.
The peace deal is set to be signed on Friday in Switzerland.
— ANI
Reader Comments
From an Indian perspective, this is a welcome development. West Asia stability directly impacts our expatriate community in the Gulf and our energy security. But I'm cautiously optimistic - we've seen such breakthroughs before that fizzled out. Implementation is key.
Finally some common sense prevailing. The global economy has been suffering enough with supply chain disruptions. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz should bring some relief to consumers worldwide, including in India where fuel prices directly impact inflation.
Good that Japan, Australia, NZ and European leaders are backing this. But I have reservations about the 60-day negotiation period that Iran wants. They've used delay tactics before. India should engage both sides to ensure our strategic interests - especially Chabahar port and north-south corridor connectivity - aren't compromised. 🇮🇳
This is great news for global trade! As a commodities analyst, I've been watching the impact on crude prices and shipping costs. The reopening of Hormuz could reduce logistics expenses by 15-20% for Indian importers. Hope the negotiations stay on track.
While this is positive, we must remember Iran's track record with nuclear commitments. Remember the JCPOA? India has good relations with both US and Iran, so we can play a constructive role. But the devil is in the details - especially regarding sanctions relief and IAEA inspections. Let's wait and watch.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.