Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, marking a temporary but significant halt to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.

In a post on X, Shehbaz wrote, “With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.”

The prime minister, who played a vital role in mediating the ceasefire, also invited both parties to convene in Islamabad on April 10 “to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”

“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!” the prime minister added.

Pakistan has played a vital role in aiding diplomatic efforts during the conflict, including hosting consultations with regional powers and facilitating back-channel discussions between Tehran and Washington.

Further, Pakistan worked closely with Beijing on a framework that advocates for de-escalation, the protection of critical infrastructure, and a comprehensive peace agreement.

The announcement has garnered global attention and praise from various world leaders.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

The secretary-general expressed his support for the ceasefire in a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

According to a post on X, Guterres called for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international law and the ceasefire’s terms, expressing “sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire.”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Leyen posted on X, supporting the “two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night,” adding that it brought “much-needed de-escalation.”

She also thanked Pakistan for its mediation.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas

Kallas also took to X to voice her support for the ceasefire, terming it a “step back from the brink after weeks of escalation.” She added that the development “creates a much-needed chance to tone down threats, stop missiles, restart shipping, and create space for diplomacy towards a lasting agreement.”

“The Strait of Hormuz must be open for passage again,” Kallas wrote. She noted that she also spoke to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, thanking him for securing the deal. “The door to mediation must remain open, as the underlying causes of the war remain unresolved,” the chief stated.

EU Council President António Costa

Costa has also posted on X in favour of the temporary ceasefire, urging “all parties to uphold its terms in order to achieve sustainable peace in the region.”

He vouched for the EU’s support for the cause. He also thanked Pakistan’s intervention, saying, “I thank Pakistan and all other parties involved in facilitating this agreement.”

UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott praised Pakistan’s “quiet, effective” diplomacy in a post on X, expressing gratitude for its role in bringing about “this vital ceasefire.”

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire agreement, saying it will “bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.”

The premier added that the ceasefire must be sustained through collective effort, writing, “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.”

Germany

Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the ceasefire, calling it an opportunity to pursue a lasting end to the conflict. “We thank Pakistan for its mediation,” Merz wrote on X.

He added that, “The aim now is to negotiate a lasting end to the war,” adding that Germany is in “close coordination with our partners on this matter.”

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the announcement by President Trump and PM Shehbaz, regarding the USA and Iran having reached an agreement to cease fire, “noting in this context the fruitful efforts made by Pakistan and General Asim Munir, Commander of the Defence Forces and Chief of Staff of the Pakistani Army, in reaching this agreement.”

Turkey

The foreign ministry of Turkey posted a statement on X in favour of the ceasefire, emphasising the “necessity of the full implementation of the temporary ceasefire on the ground and express our expectation that all parties will adhere to the agreement reached.”

The ministry also added that, “We will continue to extend all necessary support for the successful conclusion of the negotiations to be held in Islamabad.”

It thanked Pakistan for its mediation, saying, “We congratulate brotherly Pakistan for its role throughout this process and express our wish for the continuation of all initiatives that contribute to peace.”

Russia

Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chair of Russia’s Security Council said the ceasefire showed that common sense has prevailed, but that “there’ll be no cheap oil”.

Ukraine

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed his support for the ceasefire, writing on X that “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.”

The minister added, “American decisiveness works,” adding that Ukraine believes “it is time for sufficient decisiveness to force Moscow to cease fire and end its war against Ukraine.”

South Korea

South Korea welcomed the ceasefire and hoped it would bring about the safe passage of all vessels, including its own, through the Hormuz Strait.

“The South Korean government hopes that 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,” South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“The South Korean government hopes that the free and safe navigation of all vessels, including those of South Korea, through the Strait of Hormuz will be swiftly ensured, and will continue to engage in communication and consultations with relevant countries to this end,” it added.

Japan

Japan said that “concrete steps” are needed to de-escalate the crisis, including ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The world’s fourth-largest economy is the fifth biggest importer of oil, with around 70 per cent coming through the vital waterway before the war.

“The most important thing is that concrete steps will be taken to de-escalate the situation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara said. “We hope the final agreement will be reached through diplomacy at an early date,” he added.

Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took to X to express his wholehearted welcome of the ceasefire “in respect of the ten-point plan as proposed by Iran and positively received by the US.”

He also commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, calling them “tireless and courageous.” The prime minister added that “Pakistan’s willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour, reflects the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility,” affirming Malaysia’s readiness to “support and complement all efforts in this regard.”

In his post on X, Ibrahim added that the proposal “augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of the world,” voicing hope 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.”

However, the premier noted, “Peace talks cannot succeed if the proceedings are cloaked in deception and double-dealing,” terming it imperative that “the ten-point plan be translated into a comprehensive peace deal, not just for Iran, but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.”

Ibrahim also called for the concerned parties “to ensure the end of the genocide and dispossession of the people of Palestine, not least in Gaza.” He concluded his post by urging: “Let this be a turning point towards lasting peace. The world cannot afford for it to be anything less.”

New Zealand

Foreign Minister Winston Peters joined in praising Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention, writing on X, “We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Turkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to the crisis.”

Peters welcomed the development but noted, “While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire.”

He added that the 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,” affirming New Zealand’s “support of all efforts to bring about a lasting, durable end to this conflict.”

Iraq

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry expressed its welcome for the ceasefire but called for “serious and sustainable dialogue” between the US and Iran to address the root causes of the conflict.

“As the ministry asserts its support for regional and international efforts to contain crises and prioritise the language of dialogue and diplomacy, it stresses the need for full commitment to the ceasefire and refraining from any escalations,” the ministry said, according to Al Jazeera.

Oman

Oman welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, appreciating “the efforts “exerted by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in this regard and all parties calling for an end to the war.”

Further, the ministry affirmed the “importance of intensifying efforts now to find solutions capable of ending the crisis at its roots and achieving a permanent cessation of the state of war and hostile acts in the region.”

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the de-escalation achieved by the ceasefire as a significant step towards resolving the conflict.

He added, “We thank and support the work of negotiators, including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, in advancing de-escalation efforts.”

“Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict,” Albanese added in his statement.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, congratulated Pakistan for its “effective diplomacy and efforts to bring peace!” He also affirmed Australia’s desire to see the ceasefire upheld and the conflict resolved.

Italy

Italy’s former premier Paolo Gentiloni posted on X, saying Pakistan deserves the Noble Peace award.

 

Bangladesh 

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X, Bangladesh appreciates all parties involved in the diplomatic efforts in facilitating the ceasefire. 

Kazakhstan

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev lauded the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan, attributing the ceasefire agreement to the mediation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Tokayev’s office expressed hope that the truce would contribute to global trade and economic prosperity.

Tokayev’s office noted that the “agreement became possible due to the goodwill and wisdom of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the senior leadership of Iran, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict.”

Portugal

The foreign ministry posted on X welcoming the ceasefire agreement and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry also thanked Pakistan for its mediation “and, likewise, the efforts of all its partners in the negotiations.”

It added, “This is a decisive first step toward a lasting and sustainable diplomatic solution to the conflict. Portugal has supported and continues to support this diplomatic path with all its commitment, as it made clear in the contacts over the past two days with the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Egypt.”

Azerbaijan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement regarding the ceasefire in its support. The ministry said, “We hope that this ceasefire will contribute to reducing tensions in the region, as well as to establishing lasting peace and stability. We call on the parties to engage in a productive dialogue aimed at resolving existing issues and building mutual trust.”

Egypt

Egypt calls on all parties to engage seriously in negotiations, leading to lasting peace and peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the region and the world, the Egypt’s president posted on X. 

Kuwait

The State of Kuwait reaffirms its support for all mediation efforts and endeavors aimed at restoring calm, expressing hope that this announcement will lead to a comprehensive and sustainable settlement that enhances security and stability in the region, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X.

Sweden

Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria M Stenergard said that they welcomed the ceasefire, “following important mediation efforts by, among others, Pakistan. ” The ceasefire could “create conditions for restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” she posted on X.

She highlighted dampening Iran’s nuclear program, saying, “It is also important now to build on this toward a long-term sustainable solution that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons, threatening regional security, and carrying out destabilising activities in the region and the West.”

She added that Sweden was participating in the talks led by the UK on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. “We are therefore participating in the format with some 30 countries initiated by the United Kingdom to discuss the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Sweden is prepared to contribute to this in an appropriate manner, including toward political solutions,” she said.

Latvia

Prime Minister Evika Siliņa posted on X saying that they are in favour of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, urging for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The PM said, “Latvia welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached by the US and Iran last night. Its implementation is key to achieving long-lasting peace in the region,” adding that “Latvia appreciates the efforts of all countries involved in making the agreement possible.”

Spain 

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares posted on X, “Spain will not spare any efforts in supporting the Pakistani mediation efforts in the war in the Middle East and in paving the way for diplomacy.”

Romania

Romania President Nicosur Dan posted on X, “I welcome the agreement between the United States and Iran to establish a ceasefire, and we are grateful to Pakistan and other regional mediators for their work. Weeks of conflict have pushed energy & food prices to painful levels for families and businesses across the world and in Europe.”

 

The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the announcement of the agreement on a temporary ceasefire.

“It is a positive step towards de-escalation in the region and an opportunity that must be seized to move towards a serious negotiation process capable of addressing the root causes of the crisis and leading to a permanent and comprehensive cessation of hostilities, while adhering to the principles of international law, respect for state sovereignty, and peaceful, meaningful measures, guarantees, freedom of navigation, preventing the resurgence of tension, and strengthening the pillars of regional security and stability,” it said.

The OIC commended the valuable efforts made by the member states to de-escalate the situation, particularly the efforts of PM Shehbaz in reaching the agreement.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom, Yvette Cooper, in a statement, said, “This is a vital step towards establishing some security and stability in the region and getting international shipping and the global economy moving properly again. I also welcome the proposed talks between the US and Iran scheduled for later this week and thank Pakistan and all those involved for their continued work on the negotiations.”

She further added that the UK had been working internationally to support the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the self-defence of Gulf countries, and to promote a swift resolution to this conflict.

The Australian government appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in advancing de-escalation, stating, “We have been clear that the longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be, and the greater the human cost.”

It added that Australia had been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies could flow to those who need them, including the most vulnerable.

In addition, the Australian government thanked Egypt, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia for their role in the peace process, urging all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life.