Europe offers Iran sanctions relief for verifiable nuclear steps after U.S. deal

The leaders of Europe’s four largest countries — France, Britain, Germany and Italy — warmly welcomed the announced signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, according to a joint statement released by the Élysée Palace, the residence of the French president.

“We congratulate the United States, the government of Iran and all those involved, including Pakistan, Qatar and all other mediators, on this diplomatic breakthrough. This is a moment to restore regional stability and stabilize the global economy. It is now extremely important to complete the detailed negotiations and implement this agreement quickly and comprehensively. We are ready to support these efforts,” the statement by Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz and Giorgia Meloni said.

The four leaders said it is now essential to immediately restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without reservations or restrictions. The countries are ready to contribute to that goal, including “through a purely defensive and independent mission to ensure the security of commercial shipping and conduct demining operations,” the statement said.

“Iran must under no circumstances acquire nuclear weapons. We are ready to work with the United States, Iran and the IAEA toward this goal. We are ready to lift the relevant sanctions in response to clear and verifiable steps by Iran under its nuclear program,” the statement said.

The leaders also said they fully support Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a durable cease-fire.

The United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement and agreed to an immediate and permanent halt to military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The formal signing is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the agreements with Iran had been finalized. He also announced the “tariff-free reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate end of the U.S. naval blockade in the region.