Pakistan’s diplomacy wins global praise after US-Iran ceasefire breakthrough

ISLAMABAD: World leaders and international institutions on Wednesday welcomed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while praising Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in helping secure the truce and urging all sides to build on it for a lasting peace.
The ceasefire, which followed weeks of war in Iran and threats to global energy supplies, has opened a narrow window for negotiations, with Pakistan emerging as a key intermediary after engaging both Washington and Tehran.
The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire and expressed “sincere appreciation” for Pakistan and other countries involved, urging all sides to comply with international law and use the pause to move toward a comprehensive settlement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said the UN chief urged all parties to work toward lasting peace in the region. “The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran,” Dujarric said in a statement.
He added that Guterres “calls on all parties to comply with international law and the terms of the ceasefire to pave the way for a lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
The European Union leaders on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran. “I welcome the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night. It brings much-needed de-escalation”, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X, adding it was crucial negotiations continue for an enduring solution.
European Council President Costa added on X that he urged “all parties to uphold their terms to achieve sustainable peace in the region”.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, said the ceasefire deal was “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,” she added.
Saudi Arabia has appreciated the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts in facilitating the agreement.
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the easing of tensions between the US and Iran is a positive development, adding that the continuation of the ceasefire and the start of talks between the two countries mark an important step forward.
The ministry commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their role, stating that Pakistan helped pave the way for peace by facilitating the ceasefire.
The Foreign Ministry of Oman also welcomed the ceasefire, calling it an “initial step toward de-escalation” in a statement.
The Foreign Ministry said it welcomes the announcement and appreciated the efforts of Pakistan and all parties calling for an end to the war. “The Ministry … stresses 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,” it added.
Meanwhile, UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash stated that the United Arab Emirates successfully avoided a war it sought to prevent, defending its sovereignty, dignity, and achievements. He added that the UAE continues to advance with strength, resilience, and stability amid a complex regional landscape.
“The UAE triumphed in a war we sincerely sought to avoid, and we prevailed through an epic national defense that safeguarded sovereignty and dignity and protected our achievements in the face of treacherous aggression,” he said. “Today, we move forward to manage a complex regional landscape with greater leverage, sharper insight, and a more solid capacity to influence and shape the future.”
Other countries outside the region lavishly praised Pakistan for its diplomatic efforts for peace. “Pakistan’s willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favor, reflects the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility,” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a social media post on X, congratulating Islamabad for its “tireless and courageous diplomacy.”
European leaders also acknowledged Pakistan’s role, with António Costa thanking Islamabad for helping facilitate the agreement and urging all parties to uphold the ceasefire to achieve “sustainable peace.”
European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas said the deal was “a step back from the brink” and confirmed she had spoken to Pakistan’s foreign minister to thank him for securing the initial agreement, while stressing the need to keep mediation efforts open.
Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul also singled out Pakistan, saying “the thanks of the people of an entire region” went to those who supported the ceasefire, “especially Pakistan,” and called it a first step toward lasting peace.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hailed the ceasefire and thanked Pakistan for its role in mediating the truce. He said that the aim in the coming days should be to negotiate a lasting end to war through diplomatic channels.
India also welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated the need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
Even the Indian publication The Hindu highlighted the persistent and sincere efforts of Pakistan’s leadership in securing an end to the conflict.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed gratitude to Pakistan, Turkiye, and Egypt for their efforts. -NNI