The leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy on 15 June 2025 welcomed the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, describing it as a major diplomatic breakthrough and signalling readiness to ease relevant sanctions if Tehran takes clear, verifiable steps to address international concerns over its nuclear programme.

The Joint Statement

In a coordinated joint statement, the four European leaders congratulated the US, the Iranian government, and all parties involved in facilitating the agreement — specifically acknowledging the role of mediators including Pakistan and Qatar. The statement described the development as 'a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy.'

'We warmly welcome the announcement of the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran,' the leaders said. 'We congratulate the United States, the Iranian government and all those involved, including Pakistan, Qatar and all other mediators, on this diplomatic breakthrough.'

Conditions and Next Steps

The four governments stressed that the memorandum must now be translated into a comprehensive, rapidly implemented agreement. 'It is now vital that the detailed negotiations are concluded and this agreement is implemented rapidly and comprehensively. We are ready to support that effort,' the statement said.

On sanctions relief, the leaders made clear that any easing would be conditional. They expressed readiness to work with the US, Iran, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure Tehran never acquires a nuclear weapon, and said sanctions would be lifted only in response to 'clear, verifiable steps' by Iran.

Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security

The statement placed particular emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz, calling for its 'urgent re-opening with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation' for commercial vessels. The four leaders said they were committed to contributing to that objective, 'including through a strictly defensive and independent mission to reassure commercial shipping and conduct mine clearance operations.'

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint through which a significant share of the world's seaborne oil transits, making its reopening a priority for energy markets and supply chains alike.

Regional Stability and Lebanon

Beyond the nuclear file, the joint statement reaffirmed the four nations' 'full support to the stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon' and underscored the importance of a robust ceasefire in the region. The leaders pledged intensive engagement with the US, Iran, and regional partners to secure a lasting diplomatic settlement.

The statement signals a rare moment of transatlantic alignment on Iran policy, coming at a time when European capitals have often found themselves at odds with Washington over the pace and terms of diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Whether the memorandum translates into a durable, verifiable agreement will depend on the detailed negotiations that lie ahead.