Countries welcome two-week US-Iran truce, urge lasting Middle East stability
The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran has drawn widespread international support, with countries and organizations calling for full compliance and urging a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East. The truce, announced by President Donald Trump, also reopens the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for a fifth of the world’s oil supply, easing global energy tensions.
China and Russia Highlight Diplomacy
China welcomed the ceasefire, praising efforts to pause hostilities and noting that Foreign Minister Wang Yi conducted 26 calls with regional counterparts. China emphasized continued efforts to achieve a complete end to the war.
Russia called the ceasefire a defeat for aggressive approaches toward Iran, warning there is no military solution. Former Russian officials hailed the truce as a victory for common sense, though they cautioned that “there’ll be no cheap oil” in the future.
Israel and UN Calls for Compliance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the ceasefire but clarified that it does not cover Lebanon, where clashes with Hezbollah continue.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to honor the truce to protect civilians and create conditions for a lasting peace, while praising Pakistan’s role in facilitating negotiations.
European Union and Global Leaders React
- EU leaders described the ceasefire as a step back from the brink, emphasizing the importance of upholding its terms for sustainable regional peace.
- Spain highlighted the temporary nature of the relief, stressing diplomacy and international law must prevail.
- France called the deal a “very good thing” and encouraged negotiations that include Lebanon.
- Japan welcomed the pause as a positive move toward a final agreement.
- Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand urged respect for sovereignty, full compliance with the truce, and focus on preventing future hostilities.
Impact on Global Energy and Trade
Countries including India and Australia noted the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as critical for energy supplies and global trade, warning that continued conflict could have severe economic and human costs.
Ukraine Calls for Similar Decisiveness
Ukraine welcomed the ceasefire and unblocking of the strait, urging the same decisiveness from Washington to help end Russia’s war on its territory, emphasizing that strong diplomatic action can lead to conflict resolution.
Bottom Line
The US-Iran ceasefire has been widely praised by the international community as a moment of de-escalation, but leaders stress that lasting peace requires continued negotiations, adherence to the truce, and diplomatic engagement. The next two weeks are critical for turning this temporary truce into a sustainable resolution in the Middle East.
Source: Al Jazeera