New Delhi: Global reactions to the two-week ceasefire agreed upon by the US and Iran have started coming in, with leaders pointing out that much work needs to be done.
US President Donald Trump abruptly announced a two-week suspension, calling Iran’s 10-point peace proposal “workable”, after he had made genocidal threats on obliterating Iran’s civilisation.
World leaders had largely remained silent in face of the US threat of nuclear annihilation and war crimes. Today, several countries have thanked Pakistan for the diplomatic role it played in brokering the deal.
Australia
The Australian government which was one of the few to call out Trump’s genocidal threats has welcomed the agreement.
"The Australian government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now," Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement today.
"Iran's de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices," they added.
Albanese and Wong said Canberra had been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies can flow to those who need it, including the most vulnerable.
Albanese had told Sky News television that Trump's threat to the Iranian population was not appropriate.
"I don't think it's appropriate to use language such as that from the President of the United States. And I think it will cause some concern," Albanese said.
"We've said very clearly that the conduct of any conflict must be within international law and that provides for making sure that civilians - who aren't parties to the conflict - are given every protection possible," the prime minister added.
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which he said, “will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.”
“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz,” he
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wholeheartedly welcomed the development.
“It is earnestly hoped that the negotiation process will be conducted in good faith, with a firm resolve to seeking lasting resolution to the issues currently facing the region. Peace talks cannot succeed if the proceedings are cloaked in deception and double-dealing,” Ibrahim wrote.
Ibrahim also commented on the implications in the region. “It is imperative that the ten-point plan be translated into a comprehensive peace deal, not just for Iran, but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Further, it is incumbent upon the parties concerned to ensure the end of the genocide and dispossession of the people of Palestine, not least in Gaza,” he said.
He extended good wishes and appreciation to Pakistan for its role in the mediation as well, calling Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomacy “tireless and courageous.”
“Pakistan’s willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour, reflects the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility. Malaysia stands ready to support and complement all efforts in this regard,” he said.
Ibrahim also called on the international community to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilian populations affected by this war. “Let this be a turning point towards lasting peace. The world cannot afford for it to be anything less.”
Egypt
The Egyptian foreign ministry said said that the move "represents a very important opportunity that must be seized to make room for negotiations, diplomacy and constructive dialogue".
In a statement on Facebook it said that the truce must be built upon with a full commitment to "stopping military operations and respecting freedom of international navigation".
It said that Egypt will continue efforts with Pakistan and Turkiye "to promote security and stability in the region", and that the talks between the US and Iran "must take into account the legitimate security concerns" of the Gulf nations.
Japan and New Zealand
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said his nation "welcomes the announcement as a positive development.”
“We hope they reach an agreement,” the official was quoted as having said.
New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters said that important work remains to be done. "While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire," he wrote on X.
Peters also thanked Pakistan and other nations.
“We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Turkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to the crisis. As we discussed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, this conflict has had wide-ranging impacts and disruptions – for both those in the Middle East and further afield including in New Zealand and the Pacific region,” he wrote.
Peters said that New Zealand will stand in support of all efforts to bring about a lasting, durable end to this conflict.
South Korea
South Korea's foreign ministry has issued a statement saying it hoped "negotiations between the two sides will be successfully concluded and that peace and stability in the Middle East will be restored at an early date".
It hoped for "free and safe navigation of all vessels through the strait of Hormuz".
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the two-week ceasefire.
His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement that Guterres called on all the parties "to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region".
He added that "an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering".
Dujarric also confirmed that the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy Jean Arnault is "in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace".
Kazakhstan
The X account of the press office of the president of Kazakhstan also posted a message saying it comes the achievement of an agreement.
“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomes the achievement of an agreement on a full ceasefire and truce in the #MiddleEast, reached with the mediation of Prime Minister of #Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir,” it said.
The statement added that the agreement became possible due to the “goodwill and wisdom of the President of the United States”, the senior leadership of Iran, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict.
Tokayev expressed hope that the truce agreement will be long-lasting and will contribute to the development of global trade and the economic prosperity of all nations.
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the the two-week ceasefire that the USA and Iran agreed upon overnight.
“Our thanks go to Pakistan for its mediation. The goal must now be to negotiate a permanent end to the war. We are in close consultation with our partners on this,” he
German foreign affairs minister Johann Wadephul said that the ceasefire must be the decisive first step on the path to a permanent peace, because the consequences of a continuation of the wars would be incalculable. In a
Ukraine
Ukraine has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran and the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.
"We welcome the agreement between President Trump and the Iranian regime to unblock the Hormuz strait and cease fire, as well as Pakistan's mediation efforts. American decisiveness works. We believe it is time for sufficient decisiveness to force Moscow to cease fire and end its war against Ukraine," Ukraine minister of foreign affairs Andrii Sybiha
European Commission
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also thanked Pakistan for the role it played in the mediation of the ceasefire.
“I welcome the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night. It brings much-needed de-escalation. I thank Pakistan for its mediation. Now it is crucial that negotiations for an enduring solution to this conflict continue. We will continue coordinating with our partners to this end,” Leyen
Finland
Finland has also welcomed the news of the ceasefire.
“I welcome the ceasefire agreed between Iran and the US last night. We continue to support all the efforts to end the war and to build this ceasefire into a more permanent arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz and in the whole Middle East,” presindent of Finland Alexander Stubb
Spain
Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares welcomed the ceasefire and said that the country supports the crucial work of the mediators, particularly Pakistan.
“After nearly 40 days, today a ceasefire brings hope to the Middle East and the world. We support the crucial work of the mediators, particularly Pakistan. The ceasefire prevents an escalation with irreparable consequences,” Albares
“Diplomacy, negotiation, and international law are the only path to the lasting peace that the citizens of the Middle East deserve. All parties must show responsibility and commitment to ceasing attacks and de-escalating, which Spain will continue to support,” he added.
Albares said that the ceasefire must extend to Lebanon, within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1701.
China
China welcomed the ceasefire agreed between Iran and the United States but did not confirm any direct talks with Iran that might have led to acceptance of the agreement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also welcomed efforts by Pakistan and others, adding without elaborating that China "did its own efforts."
"We have been advocating for peace talks and a ceasefire," Mao said in Beijing, adding that Chinese authorities will "keep playing a constructive role" toward peace.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry
Türkiye
Türkiye welcomed the temporary ceasefire while emphasising “the necessity of the full implementation of the temporary ceasefire on the ground.” Ankara expressed the expectation that all parties will adhere to the agreement reached.
“The path to lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual trust. We will continue to extend all necessary support for the successful conclusion of the negotiations to be held in Islamabad,” it said.
The country congratulated “brotherly Pakistan” for its role throughout this process and express our wish for the continuation of all initiatives that contribute to peace.
Qatar
Qatar welcomed the announcement, and said it was “considering it an initial step toward de-escalation, and affirming the necessity of building upon it urgently to prevent the expansion of tensions in the region.”
Doha also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, “as well as all parties that assumed the role of mediation and commendable endeavours that contributed to reaching the ceasefire.”
“The Ministry affirms the importance of full adherence to the ceasefire announcement, to ensure the consolidation of calm and the preparation of conditions for dialogue, emphasising the necessity for the Islamic Republic of Iran to take the initiative to immediately cease all hostile acts and practices that undermine regional stability and respect the sovereignty of states, thereby guaranteeing the non-repetition of such violations,” it said.
Qatar also stressed the importance of ensuring the security of maritime passages and the freedom of international navigation and trade in accordance with the rules of international law, contributing to the preservation of regional stability and global supply chains.
France
The announcement of this ceasefire is a very good thing, said French president Emmanuel Macron.
“We have had the same objective since the first day: to protect our nationals and our interests, to stand by our regional partners, and to work toward de-escalation to restore peace and freedom of navigation,” he said.
Egypt
Egypt President Abdelfattah Elsisi noted on X that the news has “undoubtedly brought relief to the hearts of millions of peace-loving people across all corners of the earth.”
“I pray to God-Almighty and Exalted-that this positive development will be crowned with a permanent agreement to halt the war in the region, restore security and stability therein, and achieve the aspirations of its peoples for development, progress, and prosperity. I reaffirm Egypt's full and unconditional support for the sister countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as Jordan and Iraq, during these delicate circumstances, and the importance that any forthcoming agreement take into account their legitimate security concerns and requirements,” he wrote.
Noting that Egypt values President Trump's “decision to heed the voice of reason and uphold the values of humanity and peace,” Elsisi called on all parties to engage seriously in negotiations, leading to lasting peace and peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the region and the world.
“Egypt-its leadership, government, and people-will remain supportive of the security, stability, and prosperity of our brothers in the Gulf states, Iraq, and Jordan, and I will continue to exert every sincere and dedicated effort aimed at ending conflicts and establishing just and comprehensive peace in our region and across the entire world,” he wrote.
Spain
Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, said that ceasefires are always good news but had some words of caution.
“…Especially if they lead to a just and lasting peace. But this momentary relief cannot make us forget the chaos, the destruction, and the lives lost. The Government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket. What's needed now: diplomacy, international legality, and PEACE,” said Sánchez.
Israel
Leader of opposition in Israel,
Pakistan
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