Melike Pala
24 June 2025•Update: 24 June 2025
THE HAGUE
The European Union on Tuesday welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that US President Donald Trump announced, calling it an "important step" toward restoring stability in a region marked by escalating tensions.
"Europe welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire by President Trump. It's an important step towards restoring stability in a region in tension. This must be our collective priority," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X.
Trump on Monday said Israel and Iran had agreed to a "Complete" and "Total" ceasefire, ending "The 12 DAY War" which began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13. Iran had retaliated with missile attacks.
Later, the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday, claiming to destroy them completely. In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday evening.
The ceasefire came into effect at 0400GMT Tuesday, with Trump urging both sides not to violate it.
Von der Leyen also called on Iran to engage "seriously in a credible diplomatic process," stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable solution to the crisis over Tehran's nuclear program.
