EU leaders cautiously welcome Trump’s Iran ceasefire deal, urge swift action
European Union officials cautiously welcomed President Trump’s announced ceasefire between Iran and the US, stressing the need to address the global energy crisis.
European leaders on Monday, March 31, cautiously and with reservations welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas all praised the development but stressed the importance of quickly easing the global energy crisis.
Von der Leyen emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz should be a priority. "This agreement should allow for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Freedom of navigation must be restored toll-free," she wrote on X. Kallas described the agreement as a "potential breakthrough" and said it can give space for deeper negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and other critical issues. "Once implemented, the deal should also ease the global energy crisis," she added.
Costa said differences should be resolved "by peaceful means, in accordance with international law." Other European leaders also welcomed the deal. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated both "the Iranian side" and President Trump. French President Emmanuel Macron said this "paves the way for comprehensive negotiations in service of peace and security for all in the Middle East." U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the announcement, while reiterating that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon."
Trump wrote on Truth Social late Sunday: "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete." Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country helped mediate talks, confirmed the announcement shortly after and added that a signing ceremony would take place in Switzerland on Friday. Sharif thanked the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for their mediation efforts.
The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel began on February 28 and lasted more than three months, interrupted by several fragile ceasefires. Israel has not yet signed on to the agreement. Foreign Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said the deal would not be binding on his country. "Israel is not subordinate to the United States. We are an independent and sovereign country," he was quoted as saying by Israeli media.
International leaders are set to gather on Monday in Évian for the G7 summit, where discussions with Middle Eastern partners are on the agenda. "Europe is ready to play its part," von der Leyen wrote.
