Global leaders react to announcement of US-Iran peace agreement

U.S. and Iranian officials said on Sunday that both sides have agreed to a deal aimed at ending the war between them, lifting the U.S. blockade on Iran, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a key global shipping route. The agreement could help ease global energy markets, with analysts expecting lower oil prices once shipments resume through the critical waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important chokepoints for crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any disruption in the passage has wide-reaching implications for global supply chains and energy costs.

Following the announcement, international leaders issued responses emphasizing security, diplomacy, and nuclear nonproliferation.

In a joint statement, the E4 group—comprising Britain, France, Germany, and Italy—said Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. The statement also expressed readiness to cooperate with the United States, Iran, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to achieve that goal.

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

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed concerns over regional stability and maritime security, stressing the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.

“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,” Starmer said.

The agreement marks a significant diplomatic development in a conflict that has heightened tensions in the Middle East and disrupted global energy markets. Further details on implementation and verification mechanisms have not yet been released. -Compiled by Stephen Coates/Reuters