The makings of a peace deal between the United States and Iran has been announced overnight by Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator between the two sides.
An agreement is due to be signed by President Trump in Switzerland on Friday.
The deal also includes “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”
Israel is not mentioned in the statement.
According to Iran, the agreement will see an end to the US naval blockade and the reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days “under Iranian arrangements”.
Iran will also recommit to a promise not to develop nuclear weapons.
“The priority now is its swift and full implementation by all parties,” said European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen this morning.
“This agreement should allow for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Freedom of navigation must be restored toll-free. This is essential for regional stability and the global economy.”
On Iran and nuclear, von der Leyen said it was essential that the agreement “should end Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes and its destabilising activities in the region.”
The EU also wants to ensure that peace in Lebanon is honoured. Israel was still carrying out military strikes yesterday.
“There can be no peace in the Middle East while Lebanon is in flames,” von der Leyen added.
European foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today and will discuss the latest developments.
The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, was clear that the outline deal alone would not be enough.
“This marks a potential breakthrough. It can give much needed space for deeper negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and other critical issues.
I have spoken to my Iranian and Gulf counterparts in recent days, and today, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how the EU can be closely involved in the next phase” she said
European leaders including the German Chancellor, French President and Danish Prime Minister have all welcomed the agreement.