Europe readies follow-up steps including lifting of Iran sanctions; Netanyahu faces pressure over 'bad deal' criticism at home

The international community welcomed the agreement reached Sunday between the United States and Iran to sign a memorandum of understanding ending the war, though Israel — a key party to the conflict — voiced sharp displeasure, calling it a "bad deal."

UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the peace agreement as a "significant step forward" toward resolving the Middle East war, expressing hope that "the parties will build on this new momentum and redouble their efforts toward a final resolution of the conflict."

European nations also lined up to welcome the deal, urging the swift finalization and implementation of the nuclear agreement's details. The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy said in a joint statement that they "warmly welcome the announcement of the MOU between the United States and Iran," adding that "Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon, and we stand ready to cooperate with the United States, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency to that end." The four countries said they are prepared to lift sanctions on Iran if it takes the required steps on its nuclear program.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a separate statement that it is "the UK's firm and longstanding position that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon." He called on all parties to focus on faithfully implementing the MOU so that the Strait of Hormuz "remains fully and permanently open" and the nuclear deal's details are finalized. French President Emmanuel Macron said G7 leaders would discuss the long-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also welcomed the ceasefire agreement while urging the guarantee of free and safe navigation through the strait.

Israel, however, made its dissatisfaction clear. Avigdor Lieberman, a right-wing former defense minister, wrote on social media that the deal was "a catastrophe from Israel's perspective."


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