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The United States and Iran have announced a framework agreement aimed at ending the war.
The memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed in Switzerland later this week, includes plans to halt military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin talks on regional security and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Countries across the Middle East and Western allies welcomed the agreement and urged both sides to follow through on commitments.
The UAE has called for “an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities in the region” and stressed the importance of protecting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Abu Dhabi praised diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump and regional mediators, saying negotiations should continue to secure a lasting outcome.
In a joint statement, the UK, France, Germany and Italy described the agreement as “a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy” and urged negotiators to finalise the details quickly.
“The urgent re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential,” the statement said.
The countries also said they were prepared to support a “strictly defensive and independent mission” to reassure commercial shipping and carry out mine-clearance operations.
The statement said: “Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.”
The four countries said sanctions relief could follow if Iran took “clear, verifiable steps” on its nuclear programme, working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
A Hezbollah official told Reuters the Iran-backed group had halted operations following the announcement, but warned future restraint would depend on Israel observing ceasefire terms in Lebanon.
The official, who declined to be named, said Hezbollah opposed Israeli “freedom of movement” inside Lebanon and claimed Tehran had delayed signing the agreement while assessing Israel’s actions.
The comments came as Israeli strikes reportedly hit parts of southern Lebanon on Monday, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, which also reported low-flying Israeli drones over Beirut.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would not withdraw from territory seized in southern Lebanon, Gaza or Syria. Israel has not said it is party to the agreement.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and China welcomed the announcement and backed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices fell after news of the agreement amid expectations energy supplies could stabilise.
