World Leaders Welcome U.S.-Iran Deal as Israel Watches Warily

The announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran triggered a wave of praise from world leaders, especially because of the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The deal also had immediate market effects, with oil prices falling and stock markets rising sharply around the world. The article says Israel has reason to worry, because some European countries are signaling they may be ready to lift sanctions on Tehran in exchange for cuts to its nuclear program, while Israel has remained silent so far.

In a joint statement after the deal was announced, Britain, France, Germany and Italy called it a “moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilize the global economy.” They also urged a “rapid and comprehensive” implementation of the agreement and said that a swift reopening of Hormuz, with full and unconditional freedom of navigation, is essential. The European countries added that “Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons” and said they were ready to work with the United States, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency to make that happen.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the deal as a “hugely important step forward toward ending the war,” while stressing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain “completely and permanently open.” Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo views the agreement as a “major step toward resolving the situation,” and hoped the memorandum of understanding would be implemented steadily, that shipping freedom and security in Hormuz would be guaranteed, and that a final deal on Iran’s nuclear issue and other matters would be reached as soon as possible.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet leaders of the G7, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Britain, along with the European Union, at the annual summit starting Monday in France. Australia said full economic recovery would take time, but reopening Hormuz is “essential to reducing pressure on energy prices.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government also called on all sides to pursue lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy, and urged Iran to address longstanding concerns over its nuclear program and the threats it poses to international security. Qatar’s foreign ministry also praised the deal as an important step toward lasting peace and economic growth in the region and worldwide.