RIYADH: Several countries have welcomed the news of a two-week temporary ceasefire in the war between Israel and US on the one hand and Iran on the other.
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday evening that with Pakistani mediation he is willing to withhold a threat to destroy Iran so long as Tehran agrees to a ceasefire and open the Strait of Hormuz completely.
Trump had promised early in the day that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who helped mediate the ceasefire, said in a post on X that he had invited Iranian and US delegations to meet in Islamabad on Friday.
“Both parties have displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability,” Sharif wrote on social media.
“We earnestly hope, that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!”
China says 'welcomes' Middle East ceasefire agreement
China said on Wednesday it welcomed a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, after the two countries agreed to a two-week pause in hostilities shortly before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump.
“China welcomes relevant parties announcing the reaching of a ceasefire agreement,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference, adding that China would continue to work toward restoring peace in the Middle East.
Iraq calls for ‘sustainable dialogue’
Iraq’s foreign ministry said Wednesday it “welcomes” a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling for “serious and sustainable dialogue” between the nations.
The ministry “calls for building upon this positive step by launching serious and sustainable dialogue tracks that address the root causes of the disputes and strengthen mutual trust,” it posted on X.
Turkiye backs Islamabad talks
Turkiye welcomed a ceasefire in the Iran war and said it would support negotiations set to take place in Islamabad, the Turkish foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
It stressed the need for the ceasefire to be fully implemented on the ground and said all parties must adhere to the agreement.
Australia thanks negotiators
Australia welcomed the agreement between the US, Israel and Iran for a truce to help negotiate a resolution to the conflict, the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“We thank and support the work of negotiators, including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, in advancing de-escalation efforts,” the prime minister said in a statement.
Egypt stresses on importance of building on this step
Egypt welcomed the move by parties in the conflict to sign on to a truce suspending military operations in the region, its foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Egypt emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, rejecting any violations or threats to their sovereignty, especially given the close link between their security and stability and Egypt’s own security, the ministry said.
The UN chief calls on all parties to comply with obligations
“The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran,” Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General said.
Antonio Guterres “calls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East 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,” Dujarric added.
Indonesia calls for all parties to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity
Indonesia welcomes the ceasefire in the Iran war and calls on all parties to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and diplomacy, Yvonne Mewengkang, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said on Wednesday.
German foreign minister welcomes ceasefire
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed on.
“This must be the crucial first step towards lasting peace, for the consequences of the war continuing would be incalculable,” the minister wrote on X.
UK’s Starmer says ceasefire will bring relief to region and world
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, his office said on Wednesday.
“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer said in a statement.
IAEA says it stands ready to support US-Iran peace effort
The UN atomic watchdog welcomes the ceasefire agreed overnight between the United States and Iran and stands ready to support efforts to find a lasting solution covering Tehran’s nuclear program, Director General Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday.
“IAEA DG Grossi welcomes ... a return to diplomacy aimed at negotiating a settlement on key issues including Iran’s nuclear program,” the IAEA said in a statement. “The IAEA stands ready to support these efforts through its indispensable safeguards and verification role.”
Pope Leo hails Iran ceasefire as sign of 'real hope'
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday hailed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran as a “sign of real hope.”
“I welcome with satisfaction, and as a sign of real hope, the announcement of an immediate two-week truce. Only by returning to negotiations can we reach the end of the war,” the Catholic leader said at the end of his weekly audience at the Vatican.
Hamas says Iran truce ‘significant step’ in ‘diminishing American hegemony’
A senior Hamas official on Wednesday hailed the ceasefire that halted the joint US-Israel military campaign against Iran, calling it a “significant step” in curbing American hegemony in the Middle East.
“The ceasefire ... is undoubtedly a significant step toward diminishing American hegemony in the region and paves the way for the imminent demise of the illegitimate entity,” said Bassem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, referring to Israel.
“The will of the free peoples, ready to pay the price for freedom and independence, has triumphed. Congratulations to the people and leadership of Iran, and our condolences to all the martyrs,” he said in a statement.
Markets welcomed the truce announcement
Oil prices plunged Wednesday while stocks rallied after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that will see Tehran temporarily reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.
With Donald Trump’s deadline approaching for the Islamic republic to reopen the waterway or face obliteration, he announced a halt to attacks for two weeks and said he had received a “workable” 10-point proposal.
Iran later said it had agreed to safe passage in the Strait, through which a fifth of global oil and gas passes.
