EU leaders cautiously welcome Trump's Iran deal

European leaders today cautiously welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaia Kalas praised the development of the situation, but also stressed the importance of quickly alleviating the global energy crisis, writes Brussels-based Politiko today.

Von der Leyen stressed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz should be a priority.

"The agreement should allow for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Freedom of navigation must be restored free of charge," she wrote on X.

Kallas, however, described the agreement as a "potential breakthrough."

"(The deal) could provide much-needed space for deeper negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and other key issues. Once implemented, the agreement should alleviate the global energy crisis," Kalas wrote on X.

Košta said that differences should be resolved "by peaceful means, in accordance with international law."

Other European leaders also welcomed the agreement.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated both the "Iranian side" and President Trump on the agreement, and French President Emmanuel Macron said it "pave the way for comprehensive negotiations in the service of peace and security for all in the Middle East."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the announcement of the deal, but reiterated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon."

"The deal with the Islamic Republic is now over," Trump wrote on Truth Social last night.

Shortly afterwards, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country helped broker the negotiations, confirmed Trump's announcement, Politico reported.

Sharif wrote on social media that "both sides have declared an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon."

The Pakistani prime minister added that a signing ceremony was scheduled for Friday in Switzerland and thanked the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their "mediation efforts."

Iran's conflict with the US and Israel began on February 28th and was interrupted several times by fragile ceasefires over the course of more than three months.

At the same time, Israeli Foreign Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that the agreement would not be binding on his country.

"Israel is not subordinate to the US. We are an independent and sovereign country," the minister said, according to Israeli media.

World leaders will gather today for the Group of 7 summit in Evijan, where talks with Middle Eastern partners will also be on the agenda.

"Europe is ready to play its role," von der Leyen stressed.