African Union, Egypt Welcome US-Iran Peace Deal as Markets React Positively

The African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has welcomed the US-Iran peace agreement, calling it an important step toward stability in the Middle East and urging full implementation of the deal. Egypt also praised the agreement, saying it could improve regional security and support broader peace efforts, including attention to humanitarian issues in Gaza and the West Bank. Financial markets reacted positively to the development, with the South African rand strengthening as the US dollar weakened following news of the agreement.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, , has welcomed the newly announced peace agreement between the and , describing it as a significant milestone toward restoring stability and reducing tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement released on Monday, the African Union said the agreement represents an important opportunity to strengthen diplomatic engagement and promote long-term peace in a region that has experienced prolonged political and security challenges.

Youssouf commended both parties as well as the mediators involved in the negotiations, noting that the successful conclusion of the agreement reflects sustained diplomatic effort and cooperation among international stakeholders.

He urged all parties to remain fully committed to implementing the terms of the agreement, stressing that sustained engagement will be essential to ensure that the progress achieved is not reversed.

“The Chairperson encourages all parties to remain committed to the full implementation of the agreement and to continue advancing efforts that promote lasting peace, stability, and cooperation in the Middle East and beyond,” the statement said.

The African Union emphasized that the deal should serve as a foundation for broader peacebuilding efforts across the region and encouraged continued dialogue among all relevant actors to address outstanding issues.

Separately, also welcomed the agreement, describing it as a major diplomatic development with the potential to enhance both regional and international security.

The Egyptian government noted that it had engaged in recent months with regional and global partners to help create conditions conducive to ending the conflict and encouraging a return to negotiations.

In its statement, Cairo expressed hope that the agreement would mark a turning point in relations between Washington and Tehran, fostering improved mutual trust and laying the groundwork for renewed cooperation.

Egypt said that improved relations could also contribute to addressing wider regional challenges and support efforts aimed at stabilizing the Middle East. It added that such progress could strengthen diplomatic momentum around other ongoing conflicts and security concerns in the region.

Cairo further expressed hope that the end of hostilities between the two countries would allow renewed international focus on pressing humanitarian and security challenges in and the .

Egypt also highlighted the importance of accelerating implementation of the second phase of the United States’ broader peace initiative for the region, aimed at improving conditions and advancing political solutions.

Meanwhile, financial markets reacted positively to the announcement, with investor sentiment improving following confirmation of the agreement. The South African rand strengthened in early trading on Monday as the US dollar weakened in response to the diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran.

Market analysts said the positive reaction reflected growing optimism that reduced geopolitical tensions could support global economic stability, lower risk premiums, and improve investor confidence across emerging markets.