By JERUSALEM POST STAFF , REUTERS JUNE 15, 2026 05:26 Updated: JUNE 15, 2026 09:10 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated the US and Iran for reaching a peace agreement on Sunday, shortly after US President Donald Trump announced the deal.
"I warmly congratulate the US & Iran for having reached a peace deal that provides for an immediate & permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz , as well as a framework for further negotiations," Guterres said in a statement on X/Twitter.
"This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict," he continued, concluding his statement by thanking Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other countries for their efforts and the roles they played in bringing the agreement to fruition.
World leaders reacted positively to the announcement of the agreement
Qatari Minister of State, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, took to his X/Twitter page to say that his country welcomes "the understanding reached between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which paves the way for a lasting cessation of military operations."
"We commend the constructive efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in facilitating this process, alongside the support of regional and international partners," he continued.
"Qatar reaffirms its steadfast commitment to peace and dialogue as the most effective means of resolving differences, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter and in support of international peace and security," the minister concluded.
European leaders praise US-Iran deal
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer additionally released a statement on X/Twitter endorsing the deal.
" I warmly welcome today's agreement reached between the United States and Iran. This is a hugely important step forward in ending the war, ensuring regional stability, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz," Starmer stated.
Starmer congratulated Trump, as well as Pakistani and Qatari mediators, for their efforts, and said the nation's priority is for this agreement to turn into a "durable and lasting peace."
The prime minister affirmed the UK's position that the Strait of Hormuz must be a 'toll-free freedom of navigation' that must be restored, and the UK "...stand ready to support the technical talks that will begin."
French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron also took X/Twitter to react to the deal, in a statement saying, "I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, the result of a diplomatic effort to which several partners have contributed. I call for its rapid and complete implementation by all belligerents."
Macron reaffirmed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the "resumption of maritime traffic," to be done "urgently" and "unconditionally," without any toll restrictions.
The statement echoed the sentiment that this agreement paves the way for "solid and lasting peace" in the Middle East and must address Iran's nuclear and ballistic programs as well as its "policy of regional destabilization."
The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, also commented on the news of the deal.
"I welcome the agreement between the US and Iran and congratulate President Trump and the Iranian side on this diplomatic breakthrough. This can pave the way towards a reinvigorated global economy and a more secure Middle East. It is crucial to implement it with determination," he said.
The announced deal between the United States and Iran marks a "potential breakthrough" in the war, and the EU will now weigh how it can be involved in the next phase, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday.
"From economic leverage to nuclear expertise and longstanding relationships with Gulf partners, the EU stands ready to contribute to a sustainable resolution," Kallas said in a post on X, before a meeting of foreign affairs ministers from the 27 EU member states in Brussels.
The agreement between the United States and Iran should allow for the "immediate reopening" of the Strait of Hormuz, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday.
"The priority now is its swift and full implementation by all parties," von der Leyen said about the announced deal.
"Freedom of navigation must be restored toll-free. This is essential for regional stability and the global economy. It opens the door to broader negotiations on peace and security in the Middle East," she added.
Von der Leyen also said that peace in the Middle East was impossible "while Lebanon is in flames."
"Once again, Europe calls on all parties to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and implement a genuine ceasefire," she said.
Israeli ministers react to the news
The Israeli cabinet was in the midst of a meeting when it learned the agreement had been announced, Maariv reported.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly got up from the meeting to connect with Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete…
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