World Leaders Welcome Tentative U.S.-Iran Deal as Hopes Rise for End to Regional Conflict

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TEHRAN/WASHINGTON, June 15, 2026 — Governments across the world have welcomed a tentative agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending months of conflict that engulfed the Middle East, disrupted global energy markets, and raised fears of a wider regional war.

The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that a deal with Tehran had been completed, paving the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of restrictions on maritime traffic through one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes.

> “The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.



The agreement, which is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday, establishes a 60-day ceasefire period during which both sides will negotiate a broader settlement, including sanctions relief and long-term security arrangements.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said detailed negotiations on sanctions and other unresolved issues would continue during the ceasefire period.

Global Support for Diplomacy

Regional and international leaders quickly praised the breakthrough, describing it as a significant step toward restoring stability in the Middle East.

The government of Qatar welcomed the commitment shown by both Washington and Tehran to resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful negotiations. Minister of State Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi expressed hope that the agreement would encourage broader efforts to address regional disputes through constructive engagement.

In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated both countries for pursuing a diplomatic solution and thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye for helping facilitate the understanding.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Türkiye also welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, regional stability, and full implementation of the ceasefire terms.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the accord as an important development for peace and tranquility in the region, reaffirming Ankara's support for diplomatic solutions based on international law.

Mixed Reaction in Israel

While many governments celebrated the breakthrough, reactions in Israel were divided.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israel would maintain its military presence in territories it occupies in Lebanon and warned that any future Iranian attacks would be met with force.

Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the agreement, calling it harmful to Israel and the broader international community. He argued that recent military operations had significantly weakened Iran and insisted that efforts to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons must continue.

International Organizations Back Agreement

At the international level, Antonio Guterres welcomed the deal, describing it as a critical step toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

European leaders also voiced strong support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the swift implementation of the agreement and stressed the need to restore unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the accord as a hugely important step toward ending the war, while emphasizing that any commitments regarding Iran's nuclear program must be verifiable and fully enforced.

French President Emmanuel Macron similarly urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling uninterrupted maritime traffic essential for both regional security and the global economy.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the agreement could help revive the global economy and contribute to a more secure Middle East if implemented effectively.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the breakthrough while stressing the importance of ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and addressing concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

Economic Stakes Remain High

The conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States has resulted in thousands of deaths, significant destruction across parts of the region, and major disruptions to global energy markets. Concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—through which a substantial portion of the world's oil supply passes—have repeatedly pushed energy prices higher in recent months.

Financial markets responded positively to news of the agreement, with investors anticipating improved energy security and reduced geopolitical risks.

Looking Ahead

Although the memorandum is being hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough, significant challenges remain. Negotiators must still finalize the details of sanctions relief, security guarantees, and future monitoring arrangements during the 60-day ceasefire period.

For now, however, the tentative agreement has generated cautious optimism across the international community that one of the most dangerous confrontations in the Middle East in recent years may be moving toward a negotiated settlement rather than a prolonged regional war.
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