Global reactions pour in as US-Iran ceasefire wins cautious welcome; several nations thank Pakistan for mediation

New Delhi: Global reactions have begun pouring in after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with several leaders saying much more needs to be done to secure a lasting peace.

US President Donald Trump abruptly announced the suspension, describing Iran’s 10-point peace proposal as “workable” after earlier making severe threats against Iran. While much of the world had stayed largely silent over the escalating rhetoric, several countries have now publicly thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic role in helping broker the deal.

The Australian government, which had been among the few to condemn Trump’s threats, welcomed the agreement.

“The Australian government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement.

“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 said.

Albanese said Canberra had been working with international partners to support diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies could continue to reach those in need, including the most vulnerable.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly welcomed the development, saying on X that the proposal “augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of the world.”

He urged both sides to negotiate in good faith and warned that peace talks cannot succeed if they are “cloaked in deception and double-dealing.”

Ibrahim said the ten-point plan should lead to a comprehensive peace deal, not only for Iran but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. He also called for an end to the genocide and dispossession of Palestinians, especially in Gaza.

He praised Pakistan’s role in mediation and described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomacy as “tireless and courageous.”

The Egyptian foreign ministry said the ceasefire “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 the truce must be followed by a full commitment to stopping military operations and respecting freedom of international navigation.

Egypt also said it would continue working with Pakistan and Turkiye to promote security and stability in the region, while urging that talks between the US and Iran take into account the legitimate security concerns of Gulf nations.

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo welcomed the announcement as a positive development.

“We hope they reach an agreement,” he said.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said more work remained to secure a durable peace.

“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 countries for their efforts.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire.

His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said Guterres urged all parties to comply with international law and abide by the terms of the truce to pave the way for a lasting and comprehensive peace.

“An end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering,” Dujarric said.

He also confirmed that the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Jean Arnault is in the region to support peace efforts.