Four European nations—the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy—have expressed their readiness to lift sanctions against Iran. A joint statement to this effect was released on June 14, 2026.
The document emphasizes that any easing of restrictions is contingent upon Tehran taking "clear and verifiable steps" regarding its nuclear program. European leaders welcomed the recent agreement between Washington and Tehran, which is intended to bring an end to conflict in the Middle East.
"We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear program," the statement said, as reported by AFP. The nations also intend to "work intensively with the US, Iran, and regional partners" to capitalize on the current momentum and achieve a lasting diplomatic resolution.
The declaration explicitly stated that Iran "must never acquire a nuclear weapon." The European powers expressed their commitment to collaborating with the United States, Iran, and the IAEA to ensure this objective is met.
This announcement by the E4 represents one of the first major diplomatic responses to the new US-Iran accord. It signals that European capitals view sanctions relief as a critical lever for solidifying the agreement and restarting nuclear negotiations.
At the same time, the European nations stressed the vital necessity of strict monitoring and verification of Iran's actions. This underscores a cautious strategy where sanctions are not lifted automatically but only in return for concrete, proven progress.
