US-Iran peace deal nears completion

Europe signals sanctions relief
Bangladesh welcomes breakthrough

A landmark peace agreement between the United States and Iran is going to be inked on Friday while Washington would release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.

Following such deal, European powers signalled their readiness to ease sanctions in exchange for verifiable steps on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Iranian media reported that a final peace deal could be concluded as early as Friday, raising hopes of a significant diplomatic breakthrough that could ease tensions across the Middle East and stabilise global energy markets.

According to Iran’s Mehr news agency, a 14-point memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran provides for the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during a 60-day negotiation period.

The report said that $12 billion would be made available to Iran before formal negotiations begin, although the document has not yet been officially confirmed by either government.

The reported agreement comes amid growing international support for efforts to resolve years of hostility between the two countries through diplomacy.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy welcomed the announcement of the memorandum of understanding and described it as a major opportunity to restore stability in the region.

“We warmly welcome the announcement of the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran,” the four European leaders said.

“We congratulate the United States, the Iranian government and all those involved, including Pakistan, Qatar and all other mediators, on this diplomatic breakthrough,” it added.

The leaders added that the agreement represented “a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy”.

The statement stressed the importance of swiftly concluding detailed negotiations and implementing any final agreement in full.

“It is now vital that the detailed negotiations are concluded and this agreement is implemented rapidly and comprehensively. We are ready to support that effort,” it said.

The European powers also highlighted the need for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes for oil and gas shipments.

“The urgent re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential,” the statement said.

The four countries pledged to contribute to maritime security efforts, including defensive missions aimed at reassuring commercial shipping and conducting mine-clearance operations.

On the nuclear issue, the European leaders reiterated their longstanding position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.

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

They also signalled a willingness to ease sanctions if Tehran takes concrete and verifiable measures regarding its nuclear activities.

“We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear programme,” the statement added.

The leaders further pledged to work closely with Washington, Tehran and regional partners to maintain momentum towards a lasting settlement.

“We will work intensively with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement,” they said.

The statement also reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and underscored the importance of maintaining a robust ceasefire there.

In Dhaka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the finalisation of the peace agreement and expressed hope that it would bring lasting stability to the region.

In a press release issued on Monday, Dhaka said it had consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the best means of resolving disputes and reducing tensions.

“Bangladesh warmly welcomes the finalisation of the peace agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the ministry said.

The government praised the efforts of all parties and mediators involved in facilitating the breakthrough.

“Bangladesh has consistently been calling for de-escalation and resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy and appreciates the efforts of all parties and facilitators that contributed to this positive development,” the statement said.

Dhaka also expressed hope that the agreement would be implemented faithfully and endure over time.

“It hopes that the agreement will be implemented in good faith and prove durable and sustainable,” the ministry added.

“Bangladesh believes that peace and stability in the Middle East are vital for regional and global peace, security and development,” the statement said.

“Bangladesh encourages all parties to build on this momentum to address outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy and looks forward to the early restoration of regional calm, supply chains and collaboration,” the ministry said.