"Cooperative solutions may be difficult and even painful to achieve, but the outcome is always better, stronger and more sustainable through time." The Iran deal is an example of how the European Union invests in building peace through multilateralism, High Representative Mogherini said upon accepting the prize in Brussels.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran, agreed in 2015, was the result of a collective process. "We wouldn't have reached a deal without everyone's contribution, from the European Union to Iran and the six powers at the table. Peace is a collective responsibility," said Mogherini.

"And the outcome of this collective process was a good deal, a strong deal, made to stand the test of time and of changing administrations. A deal based on verifications, not on goodwill. A deal where everyone – starting with Iran, but not only Iran – can be held accountable for any violations."

The International Atomic Energy Agency has consistently certified the full implementation of the agreement's provisions.

"The deal has made the whole world more secure: it halted the risk of a new and more devastating conflict, and opened new opportunities for cooperation," said the High Representative.