ISLAMABAD: In the past few weeks, Islamabad has hosted consultations with key regional countries, emerging as an active diplomatic player and maintained back-channel contacts between Tehran and Washington. Isalamabad also worked closely with China on a framework for de-escalation that includes calls for a ceasefire, dialogue and protection of critical infrastructure.
World capitals reacted to the development in these ways.
Saudi Arabia
Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia welcomed the development, expressing hope that it will lead to a “comprehensive sustainable pacification”.
According to the statement, Saudi Arabia called for an end to attacks on countries in the Gulf and stressed that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened.
The foreign ministry also praised the efforts undertaken by PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in securing the two-week truce.
Egypt
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the ceasefire represented “a very important opportunity that must be seized to make room for negotiations, diplomacy and constructive dialogue”, Al Jazeera reported.
In a statement, on X the ministry stated that the truce must be built upon with a full commitment to “stopping military operations and respecting freedom of international navigation”.
According to the statement, Egypt said that it will continue its efforts with Pakistan and Turkiye “to foster security and stability in the region”.
It also noted that the talks between the US and Iran “must take into account the legitimate security concerns” of the Gulf nations.
Qatar
The Gulf state’s foreign ministry said in a statement, “Qatar expresses its welcoming of the announcement of the ceasefire… considering it an initial step toward de-escalation.”
“The ministry affirms the importance of full adherence to the ceasefire… emphasising the necessity for the Islamic Republic of Iran to take the initiative to immediately cease all hostile acts and practices that undermine regional stability,” it added.
Turkiye
“We insist on the fact that the temporary ceasefire be fully implemented on the ground and hope that all sides abide by the agreement,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Oman
In a statement, Oman’s foreign ministry welcomed the ceasefire, admiring the “efforts” extended by Pakistan in bringing about the two-week ceasefire.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Sultanate of Oman’s welcome of the announcement of the ceasefire between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, and appreciates the efforts exerted by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in this regard and all parties calling for an end to the war,” the statement said.
China
China also welcomed the ceasefire, with its foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating, “China welcomes relevant parties announcing the reaching of a ceasefire agreement”.
Addressing a new conference, she said that China would continue to work towards restoring peace in the Middle East.
Germany
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the two-week ceasefire, thanking “especially Pakistan” for its role.
“This must be the decisive first step on the path toward lasting pacification, for the consequences of continuing the war would be incalculable,” he said in a post on X.
“Germany will support this path of diplomacy to the best of its ability,” he added.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister of UK Keir Starmer, welcoming the development, stated the ceasefire will bring “a moment of relief” to the region and beyond.
In a post on X, Starmer said, “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world”.
“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,” he added.
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