Carney, European leaders welcome reported U.S.–Iran ceasefire, call for broader diplomatic talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney and nine European leaders say they welcome a reported two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to a joint statement released Wednesday.

The statement follows remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Tuesday that an agreement had been reached after tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Trump had earlier warned of severe consequences if negotiations to reopen the waterway failed.

According to Trump’s social media posts, discussions between the United States and Iran are expected to include reconstruction efforts, sanctions relief and the resumption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially with new toll arrangements. The details of the ceasefire and any formal agreement have not been independently verified.

In their joint statement, Carney and the European leaders thanked Pakistan and its partners for facilitating the reported agreement. They said a “long-lasting” diplomatic solution must be negotiated and should include broader regional considerations, including the situation in Lebanon, where Israel has conducted recent strikes.

The leaders also said their governments would contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but did not provide details on what measures could be taken or under what framework.

Carney is scheduled to hold a virtual cabinet meeting later Wednesday. The federal government has not outlined any specific Canadian commitments related to the ceasefire or maritime security.