World Capitals, June 15 (SANA)Governments and international organizations welcomed the agreement announced by theUnited States and Iranon Sunday, including a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait ofHormuz, expressing hope that it could help reduce tensions in theMiddle Eastand improve maritime security.

Qatari Prime Ministerand Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani welcomed the agreement and praised the efforts ofPakistanand other regional and international parties that contributed to the negotiations, according to a statement carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA).

He said Qatar would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening international peace and stability through dialogue and respect for international law.

United Nations Secretary-GeneralAntónio Guterresdescribed the agreement as a “decisive step” toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict and urged all parties to use the opportunity to pursue a lasting settlement.

In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Guterres said the United Nations stood ready to support efforts to implement the agreement and commended the roles played by Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other regional actors in facilitating talks between Washington and Tehran.

European leadersalso welcomed the development. In a joint statement, the leaders of Britain,France,Germany andItalysaid the agreement offered an opportunity to strengthen regional security and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The four countries said they were prepared to work with the United States, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)on future diplomatic efforts and signaled willingness to consider sanctions relief linked to Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for verifiable commitments from Tehran.

British Prime MinisterKeir Starmerdescribed the agreement as an important breakthrough for regional stability and emphasized the need to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

German ChancellorFriedrich Merz called the agreement a significant diplomatic achievement.

Japanese Prime MinisterSanae Takaichiwelcomed the agreement and expressed hope that its implementation would contribute to regional stability and safeguard international shipping through the strategic waterway.

The reactions followed the announcement of a preliminary understanding betweenWashington and Tehranthat includes a halt to military operations, steps toward lifting restrictions on maritime access and plans for a new round of talks in Switzerland on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions.

Earlier on Sunday, U.S. President DonaldTrumpsaid the Strait of Hormuz had reopened and that Washington would lift its naval blockade of Iran following Pakistan’s announcement that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between the United States and Iran.