ISLAMABAD: World leaders have welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, achieved through Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts, with widespread praise for Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue and opening a path towards lasting peace in the Middle East.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the truce, calling it a positive step towards de-escalation and urging all parties to work towards a durable and comprehensive peace.
.@antonioguterres welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran. He expresses sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire.
Full statement: https://t.co/5ZsOGcbIj5— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) April 8, 2026
“The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
He added that the UN chief “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.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the US–Iran ceasefire as a “step back from the brink,” saying it creates a much-needed window for diplomacy and de-escalation.
She noted that the Pakistan-brokered truce offers a chance to reduce threats, resume shipping, and advance talks towards a lasting agreement, adding that the EU stands ready to support these efforts.
The U.S.–Iran agreement on a ceasefire is a step back from the brink after weeks of escalation.
It 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…
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) April 8, 2026
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire and called for a comprehensive deal to bring stability back to the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire and praised Pakistan’s leadership and military for their role in securing the agreement, describing it as the result of “fruitful efforts” and specifically acknowledging “General Asim Munir, Commander of the Defense Forces and Chief of Staff of the Pakistani Army, in reaching this agreement.”
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن ترحيب المملكة العربية السعودية بإعلان فخامة رئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية دونالد ترمب، وإعلان دولة رئيس الوزراء الباكستاني السيد محمد شهباز شريف، عن توصل الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وجمهورية إيران الإسلامية إلى اتفاق لوقف إطلاق النار بين الولايات… pic.twitter.com/Brz28U8iZM
— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) April 8, 2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday confirmed Tehran’s participation in Pakistan-offered peace talks with the United States in Islamabad on Friday to finalise a peaceful settlement to their conflict, Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
During a warn and cordial telephonic conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that lasted for over 45 minutes, President Pezeshkian thanked PM Sharif and appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani leadership to bring about a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US, according to the statement issued by the PM Office.
President Pezeshkian conveyed his best wishes for the people of Pakistan and confirmed that Iran would be participating in the negotiations in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Sharif also posted on X about his phone call with President Pezeshkian.
I had a warm and substantive conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, this afternoon.
I conveyed my deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan’s offer to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week to work…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2026
Turkiye welcomes US-Iran ceasefire
Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, welcomed the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran and emphasised its full implementation.
“We emphasise 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 Turkish Foreign Ministry stated.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that 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.”
“We congratulate brotherly Pakistan for its role throughout this process and express our wish for the continuation of all initiatives that contribute to peace,” the Foreign Ministry concluded.
French President welcomes ceasefire
French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a “very good thing” and expressing hope that it will be respected across the region and pave the way for sustained negotiations, including stability in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Downing Street said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to the Gulf on Wednesday to meet with regional leaders in an effort to bolster the ceasefire in the Middle East war.
“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” a statement quoted Starmer as saying.
“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.”
UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott thanked Islamabad for its “quiet and effective” diplomacy in helping secure the ceasefire.
Thank you Pakistan for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire. @CMShehbaz @ForeignOfficePk https://t.co/frHAYxtYTS
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) April 8, 2026
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the US–Iran ceasefire and backed Iran’s ten-point peace proposal, calling it a positive step towards restoring regional and global stability.
I wholeheartedly welcome the latest development in the current US-Iran war, in respect of the ten-point plan as proposed by Iran and positively received by the US.
This proposal augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of… pic.twitter.com/Gyy9vtjJPD
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) April 8, 2026
New Zealand has welcomed the US–Iran ceasefire as a positive step towards ending the conflict, thanked Pakistan and others for their diplomatic efforts, and urged continued work towards lasting peace.
New Zealand welcomes the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours – as we welcome all efforts to bring an end to this conflict.
While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting…
— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) April 8, 2026
Separately, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the US–Iran ceasefire, crediting Pakistan’s leadership—including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir—for their mediation role.
🇰🇿 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.
This…
— Press Office of the President of Kazakhstan (@aqorda_press) April 8, 2026
Australia has also welcomed the US–Iran ceasefire as a step towards resolving the Middle East conflict, urging all parties to maintain momentum towards a lasting settlement.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 8, 2026
OIC welcomes US-Iran ceasefire
The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, terming it a positive step toward de-escalation in the region.
The Islamic bloc, in a statement on Wednesday, emphasised that this opportunity must be seized to advance serious negotiations addressing the root causes of the crisis.
It also expressed hope that the agreement will lead to a permanent and comprehensive cessation of hostilities, in line with international law, respect for state sovereignty and good neighbourly relations, the safeguarding of freedom of navigation, the prevention of renewed tensions, and the strengthening of regional security and stability.
It also praised the valuable efforts of OIC Member States, particularly the active role of Pakistan in containing the escalation.
The #OIC Welcomes the Announcement of a Temporary #Ceasefire Agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of #Iran. pic.twitter.com/bWEp77ny6l
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) April 8, 2026
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts lauded
The leaders from several nations on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran.
In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, German Chancellor Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Danish Acting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Japanese Prime Minister Seiko Takaichi, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa thanked Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement.
“The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means,” the statement added.
According to the statement, this will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region. It can avert a severe global energy crisis.
“We support these diplomatic efforts. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners,” it added.
They call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon. “Our Governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” it concluded.
China Appreciates Pakistan’s ‘Constructive Role’
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, has commended Islamabad’s constructive and proactive role in helping secure a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States.
The ambassador made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
Both sides voiced optimism that continued efforts would pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region, benefiting all parties involved.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Beijing appreciates Pakistan’s constructive involvement in promoting peace and hopes all parties seize the opportunity to de-escalate the situation.
She reiterated that China supports initiatives aimed at stability and encourages continued dialogue among stakeholders.
The ceasefire has opened a critical diplomatic window, with Pakistan set to host key negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad on Friday.
Pakistani officials said delegations from both countries are expected to arrive in the capital for talks aimed at converting the temporary truce into a comprehensive agreement.
The breakthrough came after US President Donald Trump agreed to suspend military action against Iran for two weeks following direct engagement with Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Pakistani officials said delegations from both Washington and Tehran will arrive in the capital for what is being described as a critical diplomatic window to convert the temporary truce into a lasting settlement.
The negotiations come after US President Donald Trump agreed to suspend military action against Iran for two weeks following direct engagement with Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Islamabad has in recent weeks emerged as a key intermediary, maintaining communication channels with both sides amid intensifying hostilities.
Global Support for Pakistan’s Mediation
Countries across the Middle East and beyond have broadly welcomed the ceasefire, with several acknowledging Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue.
Iraq’s foreign ministry praised the development and called for “serious and sustainable dialogue” to address underlying tensions and rebuild trust.
Gulf states, which had remained on high alert during the conflict, supported de-escalation efforts and urged continued diplomatic engagement.
European leaders described the ceasefire as a crucial opportunity to stabilise the region, emphasising the importance of dialogue over confrontation.
Regional powers, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, also welcomed the development, stressing the need to safeguard key trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
China called for restraint and reiterated its support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability.
Iraq Welcomes US–Iran Ceasefire, Urges ‘Sustainable Dialogue’
Iraq’s foreign ministry on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to engage in “serious and sustainable dialogue”.
The ministry said the truce should be used as a foundation to address underlying disputes and rebuild trust between the two countries.
“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 said in a post on X.
Poland thanks Pakistan for diplomatic efforts
Meanwhile, Poland on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and the US and thanked Pakistan and other mediators involved for their diplomatic efforts.
“We thank Pakistan and other mediators involved for their diplomatic efforts,” Poland’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“Poland consistently holds the position that conflicts in the world should be resolved in accordance with the principles and with respect for international law, especially the United Nations Charter,” the foreign ministry added.
Ceasefire Takes Hold Across Region
The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, just hours before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for potential military escalation.
Iran also agreed to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, as part of the understanding.
Israel has joined the ceasefire, according to a White House official, though it has not formally commented. The agreement follows more than six weeks of conflict across the Middle East.
Talks to Begin in Islamabad
Iran has confirmed it will hold talks with the United States starting Friday in Pakistan, as part of efforts to reach a broader agreement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad would host delegations from both countries, expressing hope for a “conclusive agreement” to end the conflict.
Pakistan has played a central mediating role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.
Iran Outlines 10-Point Plan
Tehran said its proposed roadmap for ending the war includes recognition of its uranium enrichment programme and the lifting of all sanctions.
Other demands include US military withdrawal from the Middle East, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen assets, and a binding UN Security Council resolution.
