LONDON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy welcomed the U.S.-Iran peace deal announced on Sunday in a joint statement.

This photo taken on Feb. 20, 2026 shows a city view of Tehran, Iran. (File photo: Xinhua)

"This is a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilize the global economy," BBC quoted the statement as saying.

While noting that Iran "must never acquire a nuclear weapon," the major European countries said they are "prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear program."

The European leaders urged the U.S.-Iran deal to be "implemented rapidly and comprehensively," saying the "urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential."

"We will work intensively with the U.S., Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement," the statement added.

Earlier in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on social platform X that the United States and Iran had reached a peace agreement following intensive negotiations, with an official signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.

Minutes later, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social: "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete."

"I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," he announced.