European Union ready to engage in Middle East peace efforts

The European Union has stated it is ready to participate in drafting a comprehensive strategy to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East following an agreement between the United States and Iran. The statement was made by European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday. Previously, United States President Donald Trump and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed on Sunday that the drafting of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries had been completed. The memorandum of understanding document is scheduled to be signed in Switzerland on 19 June. “The European Union is ready to contribute to advancing a comprehensive strategy for achieving sustainable peace across the Middle East region,” Costa wrote on his X account. He welcomed the announcement of the agreement between Washington and Tehran and expressed his hope that the ongoing conflict could soon end. Costa also praised various diplomatic efforts which, he said, had enabled the agreement to be reached. “The guns must be silenced now, and the remaining differences must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law,” he said. On 28 February, the United States and Israel began launching joint strikes against a number of targets in Iran, resulting in more than 3,000 casualties. On 8 April, Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire which officially remains in effect to this day.