‘Tireless and courageous diplomacy’: World reacts to Islamabad-brokered US-Iran ceasefire

In the early hours of Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the US and Iran had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, bringing a temporary pause to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

In his X post, the premier, who helped mediate the ceasefire, also invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 to “hold further negotiations towards a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”.

Amid the hostilities, Pakistan has emerged as an active diplomatic player. In the past few weeks, Islamabad has hosted consultations with key regional countries, maintained back-channel contacts between Tehran and Washington, and worked closely with Beijing on a framework for de-escalation that includes calls for a ceasefire, dialogue, and protection of critical infrastructure.

Here is how global leaders reacted to the development.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, his spokesperson said, while urging all parties to work toward long-term peace in the Middle East.

“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.”

Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also welcomed the ceasefire and lauded Pakistan for its “tireless and courageous diplomacy”.

In a post on X, the prime minister said, Iran’s 10-point proposal to end the war needed to be “translated into a comprehensive peace deal, not just for Iran, but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen”.

He reiterated his support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, appreciating its “willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour”.

Ibrahim added that Pakistan’s efforts reflected “the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility”.

New Zealand

Welcoming the ceasefire, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed appreciation to Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt for helping reach a resolution.

In a post on X, Peters said, “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 ceasefire,” he added.

“We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Turkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to the crisis,” he said.

Iraq

Iraq’s foreign ministry said it welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling for “serious and sustainable dialogue” between the nations.

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 posted on social media.

UK High Commissioner

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, taking to X, applauded Pakistan’s role in the mediation efforts.

In a post on X, she said, “Thank you, Pakistan, for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire”.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the ceasefire as “positive”.

Speaking to Sky News Australia, Albanese welcomed news that the United States and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, barely an hour before Trump’s deadline expired.

“What we have called for is a de-escalation, and that is what has occurred, and that’s a good thing,” the Australian leader said.

“This is positive news. We’ve been calling for a de-escalation for some time. We want to see a resolution of the conflict.”

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev lauded Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.

In a post on X, the president’s office said that the ceasefire was “reached with the mediation of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir”.

“This agreement became possible due to the goodwill and wisdom of the President of the United States, Donald Trump and the senior leadership of Iran, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict,” he added.

His office said that the president “expressed hope that the truce agreement will be long-lasting and will contribute to the development of global trade and the economic prosperity of all nations”.