United States-Iran

From Meloni to Sanchez, the message after the truce: 'Now a lasting stop to the conflict'

There are several European leaders - from Italia to Spain, Germany and Denmark - but also Britain's Starmer and Canada's Carney

by Rome Editorial Staff

8 April 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The truce between the United States and Iran is 'welcomed', but it is only a starting point. This is the message coming from the main leaders of the European Union and beyond (there is also the United Kingdom and Canada) a few hours after the ceasefire. Now, it is clearly stated, the goal 'must be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the conflict in the coming days'.

Not only Meloni: who signed

The fairly short text (six concepts in all) was signed by ten leaders, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Then, there are the presidents - or prime ministers and chancellors - of several countries: Macron for France; Sanchez for Spain; Merz for Germany; Starmer for the United Kingdom; Carney for Canada; Jetten for the Netherlands; Frederiksen for Denmark. Not only: there are also the Union leaders Von der Leyen (EU Commission) and Costa (EU Council).

Thanksgiving to Pakistan

A not insignificant detail is that the joint message starts - after satisfaction with the ceasefire - with thanks to the Pakistan. Who, 'together with all partners involved', 'facilitated this important agreement'. It was the Pakistani premier, Shehbaz Sharif, who proposed extending the deadline for an agreement by two weeks.

Future Scenarios

Then, one immediately looks to the future, as there are still several unresolved issues. "The goal now must be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the conflict in the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means. We strongly encourage rapid progress towards a substantive negotiated agreement."

This, the leaders write, 'will be crucial to protect Iran's civilian population and ensure security in the region. It can also avert a major global energy crisis. We support these diplomatic efforts. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners. We call on all parties to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon'.

Among the future scenarios, of course, is the Strait of Hormuz, which is of great interest to Europe. Around 20% of the world's crude oil transits through that stretch of sea. Or, at least, transited, since the traffic was almost reduced to zero in March. The issue has obvious repercussions: fuel prices have risen everywhere and this is leading to shortages in stocks for air transport as well. Hence, the speech ends with: 'Our governments will help to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz'.