Key facts
- The UK, France, Germany, and Italy are ready to lift sanctions on Iran if it takes verifiable steps on its nuclear program.
- A US-Iran peace deal has reportedly been reached, with a signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
- US President Donald Trump announced the completion of the agreement and the end of the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's Supreme National Security Council stated the deal includes an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the announced agreement.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy have indicated their readiness to lift sanctions on Iran, contingent upon the latter taking verifiable steps regarding its nuclear program. This development follows reports of a concluded deal between the United States and Iran.
Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, announced that a "peace deal" between the US and Iran has been finalized, with a signing ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Switzerland. US President Donald Trump confirmed the agreement, stating it is complete and signaling an end to Washington's naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The E4 nations collectively stated, "Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon," and expressed their willingness to collaborate with the US, Iran, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to achieve this objective. Their joint statement also called for the unrestricted opening of the Strait of Hormuz and affirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.
According to the Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the agreement includes an immediate and permanent suspension of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the complete cessation of the US naval blockade against Iranian ports. The council also noted that negotiations for a final agreement would be postponed until the other party fulfills its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announced deal as a "critical step" towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support, emphasizing the need for the urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, concerns about potential spoilers were raised by retired US General Mark Kimmitt, who identified Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, and elements within the US as possible disruptors. Reporting from Ramallah suggested that Israel's right-wing media viewed the agreement as a "strategic defeat," potentially impacting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political standing.