As Trump heads to G7, world leaders welcome Iran deal, stress need for regional security

Regional leaders focus on Mideast, as other nations offer help with clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, while insisting Tehran won’t be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons

World leaders welcomed on Monday the announcement of a framework for a US-Iran deal to end hostilities and kickstart peace talks, as US President Donald Trump headed to the French Alps for the Group of Seven summit.

Saudi Arabia, which was targeted by Iran during the war, welcomed “the agreement reached between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to end military operations and initiate detailed negotiations within 60 days to reach a permanent agreement.”

The Saudi ministry of foreign affairs insisted that a lasting peace deal would be one “that takes into consideration the security interests of regional states, sticking to the principle of non-interference in the interior affairs of other countries.”

Qatar’s foreign ministry, also targeted by the Islamic Republic, expressed its “full support for all efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who sparked a war of words with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week when he said that Israeli “aggression” posed a threat to the whole world, stressed “the need to avoid rhetoric, provocations, and actions that could escalate tensions in the period leading up to the signing of the agreement, and to remain vigilant against possible sabotage.”

Other nations focused on the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasizing that Iran must not be permitted to have nuclear weapons.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for “the urgent and unconditional reopening” of the key waterway, adding that France and the UK were “ready to support.”

France will also support “the determined efforts of the Lebanese authorities to restore the sovereignty of the State,” and the agreement “must address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs,” Macron added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored in the Strait of Hormuz,” and that the UK was ready “to offer support on mine clearance.”

“It remains the UK’s firm and longstanding position that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,” Starmer said.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she hoped that “free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will actually be ensured, and that a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear issue and other matters will be achieved as soon as possible.”

While Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for “continued restraint and constructive engagement” from the US and Iran.

“Iran must address longstanding concerns about its nuclear program and the threat it poses to international security,” they said in a joint statement.

With the agreement, Trump is due to arrive in Evian-les-Bains on Monday afternoon with some wind at his back for talks with G7 leaders, including some who have been sharply critical of his managing of the roughly 15-week conflict that has led to a surge in global energy prices.

France is keen to expand the reach of the G7 beyond its membership of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Arab leaders including Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the emir of Qatar and president of the UAE will be there to discuss Iran.

The leaders of Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya and South Korea are also attending.

“Ships of the World, start your engines,” Trump said in a social media post celebrating the deal that he said would lead to the US ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s crude had flowed before the conflict. “Let the oil flow!”

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, however, said the Iranian closure of the strait would continue until the agreement is officially signed.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.