17 countries welcome US-Iran pact, urge rapid reopening of Strait of Hormuz

A coalition of 17 countries welcomed on Monday the memorandum of understanding announced between the United States and Iran, describing it as an opportunity to restore regional stability and support the global economy. A joint statement initially issued by the UK, France, Germany, and Italy was later signed by 13 other nations, including Japan, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Greece, and Poland. The leaders congratulated the US, Iran, and mediators Pakistan and Qatar on the diplomatic breakthrough. They stressed that detailed negotiations should be concluded and the agreement implemented “rapidly and comprehensively.”

Freedom of navigation and nuclear pledge

The signatories called for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of “unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation.” They expressed readiness to contribute to a “strictly defensive and independent mission” aimed at reassuring commercial shipping and conducting mine-clearance operations. The statement reiterated that Iran “must never acquire a nuclear weapon” and expressed readiness to work with the US, Iran, and the IAEA toward that objective. The leaders also said they were prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to “clear, verifiable steps” by Iran on its nuclear program.