A joint declaration from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy on 14/6 announced their willingness to lift sanctions against Iran. This decision follows a peace agreement between the US and Iran, aiming to end a conflict that began on 28/2. The European nations emphasized their commitment to close coordination with the US, Iran, and regional partners to leverage this diplomatic momentum towards a lasting solution.

"We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear and verifiable steps from Iran regarding its nuclear program," the joint statement read. The four nations also reiterated that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, stating, "We are ready to cooperate with the US, Iran, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to achieve that goal."

The US and Iran are scheduled to sign the peace document in Switzerland on 19/6. According to a senior Iranian official, the draft agreement involves the US releasing USD 25 billion in frozen Iranian assets. In return, Tehran has agreed not to produce or possess atomic weapons and to maintain the status quo of its nuclear program, without enriching uranium or expanding nuclear facilities, until a final agreement is reached.

French President Emmanuel Macron at a press conference in Paris on 12/6. Photo: *AFP*

A US official indicated that the final document would lead to the termination of Iran's nuclear program, including the destruction and removal of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Conversely, the senior Iranian official noted that the draft would permit Tehran to dilute highly enriched uranium domestically.

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the broader implications of the agreement. He stated that G7 leaders would discuss the long-term restoration of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz on 15/6, within the framework of the new US-Iran agreement. "The objective will be to assess the implications of this agreement, support Lebanon, ensure the sustainable reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, of course, finalize the agreement on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs," Macron remarked on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France on 14/6.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the outcome between the US and Iran, calling it an "important step" towards resolving the conflict in the Middle East. Guterres's spokesperson added, "The Secretary-General hopes that the parties will leverage this new momentum and further intensify efforts to achieve a final resolution to the conflict."

Huyen Le (*According to AFP*)