“Yesterday’s interim agreement signed by the Presidents of the United States and Iran represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the impact of which extends beyond the Middle East. The agreement establishes a framework for reaching a final peace settlement within 60 days and for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
At the heart of the agreement are a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon, the restoration of freedom of navigation, and the creation of conditions for resolving issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme. The swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is particularly important, as it is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Its functioning reduces risks to global energy and supply chains and helps to stabilise the world economy.
From a global security perspective, the agreement has another important dimension. At their recently concluded summit, the leaders of the G7 stressed that stabilisation in the Strait of Hormuz creates an opportunity to increase pressure on Russia’s war machine, including through additional sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas sector. Russia’s ability to continue its war of aggression depends to a large extent on its energy revenues.
The messages from the G7 summit, which concluded yesterday, were clear and important: support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains steadfast, while sanctions against Russia, including those targeting its oil and gas sector, will be strengthened. The agreement between the United States and Iran does not resolve Russia’s aggression, but it removes one significant source of uncertainty from the global security environment and helps create the conditions for more decisive action to weaken Russia’s war machine. The more effectively the international community can restrict the revenues the Kremlin relies on to finance its war, the greater the pressure on Russia to choose a diplomatic solution instead of continuing its aggression.
Estonia supports efforts that strengthen international security, reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation and increase pressure on aggressors.”
