What They’re Saying About the Iran War—June 15, 2026
U.S.
President Donald Trump | Press Interview
“We’ll get the nuclear dust later on when we’re ready to go in and do it. I’d say over the next month or two, there’s no rush. . . . As far as regime change, I never cared about regime change. This is the third group we’ve dealt with, and this is the most rational group yet. . . . We’ll see how they behave. [This comment was made regarding the prospect of sanctions relief.] . . . Bibi shouldn’t have [bombed Beirut]. I didn’t like it at all. They [Hezbollah] fired a couple small missiles, and missed their mark by a lot. They have to fire back, then he’ll fire back, then the whole thing never stops in the Middle East. . . . Bibi is OK with [the MOU]. Why is it good for Bibi? Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon under any circumstance.”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz. They are going along the Southern ‘Highway,’ which is totally safe, secure, and pristine. There are other areas of travel, also!!!”
Vice President JD Vance | Press Interview
[In response to the question: “The Iranians are saying they're gonna have access to a $300 billion reconstruction fund. True or false?”]
“That's the sort of things they could have access to so long as they honor their end of the obligation.”
Vice President JD Vance | Press Interview
“Our expectation is that the strait [of Hormuz] is going to be opened in a toll-free way for the long term, and that’s the sort of thing that we’re going to figure out in these technical negotiations. . . . There are a lot of very important details to figure out. We’re actually going to sit at the table and discuss together and figure out a path forward on these details.”
Vice President JD Vance | Press Interview
“[S]ometimes with these agreements there are some diplomatic protocols and some technical things to work out. But we plan to release the full text this week. We want the American people to see it. We’ve also seen some misreporting about what’s in the agreement; we have seen some accurate reporting about what is in the agreement. I think the most important thing for the American people to appreciate is what this agreement does is really twofold. On the one hand, it ensures that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, while simultaneously opening the Strait of Hormuz. You already see oil prices from a high of 126 dollars a barrel down to about 80 dollars a barrel today. That’s a lot of progress. It also fundamentally extends a hand to Iran and says, look, if you guys are willing to honor your obligations, If you’re willing to allow real inspections of your nuclear program, then we will welcome you back into the world economy. I think what the President of the United States wants to do is turn over a leaf of 47 years of a failed relationship between the United States and Iran. But that requires the Iranians to actually honor their end of the bargain. So when people say billions of dollars of assets will be released, that's not true. What is true is that Iran will have a much better and much more prosperous future if they meet the obligations they make in this agreement. We will, of course, see, as that is one of the things that we will work out in the technical talks that will follow the official signing on Friday.”
Vice President JD Vance | Press Interview
“We already signed the deal digitally yesterday, and there’s been no money released. And that won’t change . . . Again, this is a performance based thing. If we see the Iranians . . . for example, taking action to limit their stockpile of enriched material, then yes, sanctions relief will follow. If we see the Iranians taking action to allow the kind of verification regime that we need to see to know that they are not going to build a nuclear weapon, then yes, sanctions relief will follow. This is really about walking down a pathway here where the Iranians will be welcomed into the world economy if they do the right thing. . . . We have to remember their economy is fundamentally destroyed, their nuclear program is fundamentally destroyed. If they don’t do the right things, if they don’t allow the verification regime, they are never going to have the money to rebuild their nuclear program to begin with.”
Vice President JD Vance | Press Interview
“I think the best outcome is a good deal for the American people, which we have. Fundamentally we are dealing with everybody in the Iranian system. You know there’s the IRGC, the sort of regime hardliners, the military side, there’s the political leadership. And within the political leadership you have people who are more hardline and less hardline. We expect to have a full spectrum of representatives at the negotiation on Friday. Again we have been talking to these people, sometimes indirectly, but sometimes directly. That’s what has fundamentally changed under the President’s leadership—we are now speaking directly to the Iranian system. We have some good relationships there. This is going to be a successful negotiation because we are not passing messages through various backchannels anymore—we are actually talking to them. When you talk to them you figure out what’s real, what’s fake, what are they serious about, what are they not serious about. And the thing I’d add to that is we fundamentally have all the cards here. We don’t have to give the Iranians anything if they don’t make the commitments that we want long term on the nuclear program. And even if we just stopped here, what would be true? Their military is destroyed, the Straits of Hormuz are open, their nuclear program has been destroyed. And we have incredibly economic leverage over them that we didn’t have a year and a half ago. So we have a lot of leverage here, but we also have the President saying to them we are extending an open hand. If you guys want to meet us, if you want to change your relationship with the United States we will change our relationship with Iran, that’s the offer and we will see if they meet us there. . . . I think when people see this deal—we hope to release the text this week—they are going to realize that this is going to make the whole region safer. And this is another way in which this is a transformative agreement: if you go back to, for example, the Obama JCPOA, what did we see? The entire Gulf Coast coalition hated that deal because they felt like it empowered Iran to be a bad actor. What does the Gulf Coast coalition say about President Trump’s peace Ddal? That they love it because they see it as an opportunity to build and create a new Middle East, not just for the next few years, but for the next generation. So I think that that new Middle East, certainly Israel is going to have a seat at the table, we think this is going to be great for everybody in the region, but most importantly we think it is going to be great for the American people and that’s what we are aiming to do.”
“I am pleased to hear the memorandum of understanding with Iran to allow the Strait of Hormuz to open has been agreed to. I will be watching closely the ensuing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other matters. I am somewhat concerned that Iran’s view of the agreement seems different than what the American negotiating team is claiming. Under our law, any nuclear deal with Iran will be sent to Congress for review and a vote. I look forward to reviewing the final product and I believe it is imperative that the architect of the deal, Vice President Vance and his negotiating partners, be part of the process in presenting the final deal to Congress. Congratulations to all in getting us to this point. Time will tell.”
Rep. Robert Aderholt | Comments to Journalists
“Unlike the agreement reached under the Obama administration, this deal will not allow Iran to continue enriching uranium and build up the components necessary to build a nuclear weapon.”
IRAN
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“They will never be able to capture any part of the resistance forces alone; the efforts of the zealous Lebanese fighters and the powerful diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran will guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of dear Lebanon and will disrupt the Israeli regime’s madness and warmongering, no matter what.”
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i | X
“The Iranian nation, relying on the school of complete honor and greatness of Hussein, was able to defeat the aggressors in the third imposed war, as in the previous two wars. The warrior nation of Iran is more united, more united, and more united under the banner of Hussein (AS). We remain in the tent of Hussein (AS) and do not abandon bloodlust and sacrifice.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“It is unfortunate that people who are performing their duties within the framework of official missions and with the aim of protecting the national interests and honor of the country are faced with labels such as treason or betrayal of the homeland. Criticism is a natural right of society, but the destruction of those who are entrusted with a lawful mission is far from fairness and manliness.”
Expediency Discernment Council Chairman Sadegh Amoli Larijani | X
“The settling of the dust at this point of the year-long campaign against the evil American arrogance and the evil Zionist regime is a moment to reflect on the greatness of the steadfastness of the noble Iranian nation. The pure blood of the proud martyrs of this cruel battle, especially the pure blood of our dear and high-ranking martyr leader, was a holy breath that ultimately led to the awakening and uprising of the entire nation. This experience once again revealed the truth that the fortress of Islamic Iran is only preserved by the presence of the people, the struggle of the armed forces, and the efforts of the agents of the Islamic system. Therefore, regardless of any hasty conclusions about the outcome of the work, I consider it my duty to pay my respects and humility to this great steadfastness and ask the Almighty God for steadfastness and closeness to the divine realm for the zealous members of the nation, the brave defenders of the security zone, and the officials serving them.”
ISRAEL
Defense Minister Israel Katz | Statement
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I are leading a clear policy that determines that the IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, without any time limit, to protect, from there, the border and Israeli communities against jihadist elements. . . . [The security zones will be] cleared of local residents, and all terror infrastructure, above and below ground, including the houses in the contact-line villages that served as terror outposts, will be destroyed. . . . [W]e oppose an IDF withdrawal from Lebanon, despite all the existing pressures and those that will still come. . . . Prime Minister Netanyahu made these points clear to US President Trump and to other senior American officials, and I also made this clear yesterday to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. . . . We will not compromise on Israel’s security interests and the protection of our citizens, and we will not withdraw from the security zones . . . [I]f Iran attacks Israel because of events in Lebanon, we will strike it with full force.”
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid | X
“The State of Israel won the battle, Netanyahu lost the war. The Israel Defense Forces fulfilled its missions, Netanyahu did not deliver the goods. He collapsed at the moment of truth. If during the war you drive the President of the United States crazy with your pardon issues, don't be surprised if he turns on you the moment your interests conflict. This is what he understood from you and heard from you, that everything is about interests and you are not there for the right reasons.”
Yashar Party Head Gadi Eisenkot | X
“Nearly three years after the October 7 debacle, with heavy costs and commendable military achievements—Israel wakes up this morning to a deal taking shape far from here and far from Israel's interests.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir | Telegram
“Trump’s agreement does not bind us . . . we are not party to this agreement. It does not safeguard our security. We must not settle for anything less than the dismantling of Hezbollah. We must not withdraw from a single inch of territory that our soldiers have captured and cleared of terrorist infrastructure.”
PAKISTAN
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | X
“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland. We would like to thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our brothers in this mediation effort, the great leadership of State of Qatar, for their support in reaching this agreement. I would also especially thank the visionary leadership of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Republic of Türkiye for their immense contributions in this regard. With the agreement now in place, mediators will facilitate a series of meetings this week. These pre-implementation discussions will lay the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony.”
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Anwar Gargash, Chief Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President | X
“The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. It stressed the need for an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities, respect for the sovereignty of states and the principles of good neighborliness, the protection of maritime routes and freedom of international navigation, including the free flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and the continuation of negotiations toward achieving sustainable outcomes that preserve the security and stability of the region. The UAE emerges from this phase stronger, more resilient, and more confident. It has worked diplomatically and credibly to avert war, firmly and decisively defended its sovereignty, and solidified its position as a model of development, stability, and prosperity in the region.”
“In light of the announcement regarding the agreement reached on a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United Arab Emirates affirms the importance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy, and adhering to international law, in a manner that reinforces regional security and stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of full compliance with the provisions of the agreement, ensuring an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities in the region, respect for the sovereignty of states and the principles of good neighborliness, strict adherence to international law, and the protection of maritime routes and freedom of international navigation, including the uninterrupted flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, thereby advancing security, stability, and economic prosperity at both the regional and global levels.”
EUROPE
Governments of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy | Joint Statement
“We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear program. We will work intensively with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement. Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. We stand ready to work with the US, Iran and the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] to this end.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer | Statement
“I warmly welcome today’s agreement reached between the United States and Iran. This is a hugely important step forward in ending the war, ensuring regional stability and re-opening the Strait of Hormuz. I congratulate President Trump and the mediators from Pakistan, Qatar and elsewhere who have contributed to this breakthrough. We have long urged de-escalation and this is the progress we had hoped to see. Attention must now turn to fully implementing the memorandum of understanding to ensure the Strait reopens and remains fully and permanently open, and that the detailed elements of the nuclear agreement are finalised. We stand ready to support the technical talks that will now begin. Our priority is that this becomes a durable and lasting peace, and we will work with international partners to support that. We are clear that toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored in the Strait of Hormuz . . . We will continue to work with partners to support this – including, if required, through standing up the defensive, independent multilateral mission which the UK and France have taken a leading role in planning up to this point, particularly to offer support on mine clearance in an agreed way. For any peace to endure, it is essential that the commitments made, particularly in relation to Iran’s nuclear programme, are robust, verifiable and fully implemented. It remains the UK’s firm and longstanding position that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.”
French President Emmanuel Macron | X
“I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, the result of a diplomatic effort to which several partners contributed. I call for its swift and full implementation by all parties to the conflict. This agreement must allow for the urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which the international mission established with the United Kingdom is ready to support. The resources are in place and ready to be deployed. The resumption of maritime traffic, without restrictions or tolls, is essential for regional stability and the global economy. This agreement also paves the way for comprehensive negotiations aimed at achieving peace and security for all in the Middle East. These negotiations must address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its policy of regional destabilization. This is how we can build a solid and lasting peace. France is prepared to play its full part in this process, alongside its partners. It will also continue to provide its full support to the determined efforts of the Lebanese authorities to restore state sovereignty, which is the only entity capable of ensuring Lebanon’s stability and territorial integrity and meeting the needs of its people. A robust and lasting ceasefire is therefore essential.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni | X
“Last night, we, along with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, expressed our strong appreciation for the memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran in the past few hours. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the mediators, especially Qatar and Pakistan, who made this agreement possible. This is an opportunity for peace that must be seized: Italy, as in the past, is ready to support the diplomatic process toward a comprehensive agreement. The principles are clear: Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons, and freedom of navigation must be guaranteed. We are ready, together with our other partners and subject to the necessary parliamentary authorization, to contribute to an international naval presence to support the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, hostilities must also cease in Lebanon, where Italy will continue to work to uphold Lebanese sovereignty.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen | X
“I welcome the agreement reached between the US and Iran, following sustained diplomatic efforts by several partners. The priority now is its swift and full implementation by all parties. 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. It opens the door to broader negotiations on peace and security in the Middle East. And should end Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes and its destabilising activities in the region. And of course there can be no peace in the Middle East while Lebanon is in flames.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen | X
“We have a framework of sanctions [on Iran] that is responding to two main features. The one is the violation of human rights, and the other one is weapons of mass destruction. And the principle of sanctions is that we need real change on the ground before we can think about lifting them. Sanctions are in place to change behavior, so if behavior is changing credibly and verifiably, then you can lift sanctions. But the other way around is also true: As long as there’s no behavioral change, you cannot lift the sanctions because of human rights violations and weapons of mass destruction.”
CANADA
Prime Minister Mark Carney | Comments to Journalists
“I know President Trump has worked very hard for this, as has the vice-president, the Qataris, the Pakistanis, but all the countries in the region supporting this. Canada very much welcomes this progress. . . . Canada has been clear that a durable ceasefire must both ensure safe and unimpeded transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and address the pervasive threat of Iran’s nuclear program.”
UNITED NATIONS
High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk | Comments to Journalists
"I welcome the announcement that the United States and Iran have agreed on a peace deal that provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for further negotiations,’ U.N. rights chief Volker Turk said. ‘At this fragile moment it is clear all sides need to exercise maximum restraint and work to implement the agreement reached quickly and in good faith.”
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