Capitals, April 8 (SANA) Governments worldwide welcomed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, urging full adherence to the truce and renewed diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting settlement in the Middle East.
The truce, announced early Wednesday after weeks of escalation since late February, has been widely described as an opportunity to stabilize the region and reopen key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
European leaders welcomed the agreement and stressed the need to translate it into a permanent settlement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the focus must now shift to negotiating a lasting end to the conflict through diplomatic channels.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the ceasefire offers a moment of relief but must be sustained and developed into a long-term peace arrangement, adding that efforts are needed to maintain the truce and restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the agreement and called on all parties to comply with its terms, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the ceasefire as “a step back from the brink” after weeks of escalation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the truce provides an opportunity for de-escalation, stressing that continued negotiations are essential to reaching a durable solution.
In Asia, several countries voiced support for the agreement and emphasized the importance of diplomacy. Indonesia called for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope for lasting peace in the region.
South Korea said it expects both sides to pursue negotiations to restore stability and ensure the safe resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
China welcomed the ceasefire and said it would continue efforts to support peace in the Middle East, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country is working with partners to back diplomatic initiatives and help secure maritime routes.
In the Arab world, Egypt described the ceasefire as an important opportunity to advance negotiations and reduce tensions, stressing the need to respect freedom of navigation and regional sovereignty.
Iraq said the agreement could help reduce tensions and strengthen regional stability, reaffirming its support for diplomatic efforts and the importance of full compliance with the truce.
Earlier Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of military strikes against Iran, conditional on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and reciprocal adherence to the ceasefire.
Pakistan, which played a mediating role, said talks between Washington and Tehran are expected to take place in Islamabad, aiming to reach a final agreement.
Iran said it would halt its response if attacks stop and indicated that maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz could resume temporarily under coordinated arrangements as negotiations proceed.
F.J./ABD
