UK, France, Germany and Italy signal readiness to lift Iran sanctions

Britain, France, Germany and Italy said they are prepared to lift sanctions on Iran in response to steps addressing its nuclear program following the agreement between Tehran and Washington to end the war.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the four countries welcomed the breakthrough and reiterated their longstanding position on Iran's nuclear activities.

"Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. We stand ready to work with the US, Iran and the IAEA to this end," the statement said.

The four European powers said they were prepared to lift sanctions as part of a process tied to Iranian nuclear commitments, signaling support for the next phase of negotiations expected to begin after the signing of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding on Friday.