European Commission president urges swift reopening of Hormuz

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that the US-Iran deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz marked a potential breakthrough, adding that EU foreign ministers would discuss how the bloc could be closely involved in the next phase.

“From economic leverage to nuclear expertise and longstanding relationships with Gulf partners, the EU stands ready to contribute to a sustainable resolution,” she wrote in a post on X.

Kallas said the agreement could create space for deeper talks on Iran’s nuclear program and other critical issues, and could ease the global energy crisis once implemented.

European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed on Monday the agreement announced between Washington and Tehran.

“I look forward to an end to this costly war and to the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote in a post on X.

He said the European Union was ready to help advance a broader strategy for lasting peace across the Middle East.

An Iranian lawmaker said on Monday that the country was fully prepared for any threat and the armed forces were working around the clock to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, urged national unity, saying, “the enemy has planned to create divisions and rifts inside the country.”

He said national cohesion, alongside military power, were needed to safeguard security.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed on Monday the understanding reached between the United States and Iran, saying it reflected sustained diplomacy and the choice of dialogue over confrontation.

He said in apost on X that the breakthrough would provide confidence and stability to global markets and the world economy, especially for developing countries vulnerable to regional instability.

Dar said Pakistan looked forward to a formal signing ceremony on June 19 in Geneva.

Senior Israeli officials said Israel may have to confront US pressure if Washington demands Israeli withdrawals or limits on military operations in Lebanon following an agreement with Iran, Ynet reported on Monday.

“Right now, the prime minister is standing firm and succeeding in pushing back such Iranian demands,” one senior official was quoted as saying.

The official said the Americans understood that Israel viewed the issue as a red line.

The view inside Israel’s Security Cabinet was that Israel would “stand firm” on Lebanon, even at the cost of a dispute with Washington, according to the report.