MOON Desk: 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.”
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.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire agreement, saying it will “bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.”
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.”
Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the ceasefire, calling it an opportunity to pursue a lasting end to the conflict. “We thank Pakistan for its mediation,”
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.”
South Korea welcomed the ceasefire and hoped it would bring about the safe passage of all vessels, including its own, through the Hormuz Strait.
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.
