World leaders welcome US-Iran ceasefire: Here’s how countries reacted

Here’s how countries and global leaders responded to US-Iran war ceasefire

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday agreed to a temporary ceasefire with Iran, pausing hostilities for two weeks, as both sides claimed victory.

Trump said he had spoken with leaders in Pakistan, which mediated the proposal, to secure a 14-day halt in military aggression.

Here’s how countries and global leaders responded:

United Nations

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and urged efforts toward lasting peace in the Middle East.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran," his spokesperson said, according to AFP.

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."

European Union

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement, calling it a step toward easing tensions.

"I welcome the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night. It brings much needed de-escalation", she said, adding it was crucial negotiations continue for an enduring solution.

India

India backed the truce and reiterated the need for diplomacy.

"We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz," it added.

South Korea

South Korea expressed hope that the ceasefire would restore stability and ensure safe maritime movement.

"The South Korean government hopes that negotiations between the two sides will be successfully concluded and that peace and stability in the Middle East will be restored at an early date," its foreign ministry said, reported AFP.

"The South Korean government hopes that the free and safe navigation of all vessels, including those of South Korea, through the Strait of Hormuz will be swiftly ensured, and will continue to engage in communication and consultations with relevant countries to this end," it added.

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the pause in hostilities.

He said he supports Trump’s decision and the “US effort to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran’s Arab neighbours and the world”.

However, Netanyahu clarified that the ceasefire does “not include Lebanon“, where Israeli forces continue operations against Hezbollah.

Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran, saying he hoped his country would be included in the regional truce.

Aoun said Beirut "continued efforts to ensure that the regional peace includes Lebanon in a stable and lasting manner", according a statement from the presidency.

Iran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the agreement.

“The ceasefire, with the acceptance of the general principles desired by Iran, was the fruit of the blood of our great martyred leader Khamenei and the achievement of the presence of all the people on the scene. From today onward, we will also remain together. Whether in the field of diplomacy, whether in the field of defense, whether on the street scene, and whether in the arena of service provision,” he said.

United Kingdom

UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer welcomed the development.

“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.”

Australia

Australia warned of prolonged conflict impacts.

"Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office said.

"We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life," it added.

New Zealand

New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters said the truce was encouraging but fragile.

"While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire," he said.

"In the coming days and weeks, New Zealand will stand in support of all efforts to bring about a lasting, durable end to this conflict," he added.

Japan

Japan stressed the need for concrete de-escalation steps.

"The most important thing is that concrete steps will be taken to de-escalate the situation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," government spokesman Minoru Kihara said, as reported by AFP.

"We hope the final agreement will be reached through diplomacy at an early date."

Iraq

Iraq called for deeper engagement following the truce.

The foreign 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 said.

Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the ceasefire as broad and immediate.

"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," he said.

Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the move.

“This proposal augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of the world.”

“It is imperative that the ten-point plan be translated into a comprehensive peace deal, not just for Iran, but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Further, it is incumbent upon the parties concerned to ensure the end of the genocide and dispossession of the people of Palestine, not least in Gaza,” he said.

Egypt

Egypt described the pause as an opportunity for diplomacy.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Egypt affirms that the suspension of military operations by the United States and the Iranian side's response represent a crucial opportunity that must be seized to pave the way for negotiations, diplomacy, and constructive dialogue.”

“Egypt emphasizes the importance of building on this step through full commitment to the cessation of military operations and respect for freedom of international navigation. Egypt reiterates its support for all initiatives aimed at achieving peace and security, and affirms its continued tireless efforts with Pakistan and Turkey, working with regional and international partners to enhance security and stability in the region.”

Germany

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called it a key first step.

"I welcome the decision by the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire in the Iran war," he said.

"This must be the crucial first step towards lasting peace, for the consequences of the war continuing would be incalculable."

France

President Emmanuel Macron termed the agreement positive.

"We have had the same objective since the first day: to protect our nationals and our interests, to stand by our regional partners, and to work toward de-escalation to restore peace and freedom of navigation,” he said, calling the ceasefire a "very good thing."

Vatican City

Pope Leo welcomed the truce during his weekly address.

"In light of these past hours of great tension for the Middle East and for the whole world, I welcome with satisfaction... the announcement of an immediate two-week truce," he said, reported Reuters.

Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the ceasefire and linked it to broader peace efforts.

"Ukraine has always called for a ceasefire in the war waged by Russia here in Europe against our state and our people, and we support the ceasefire in the Middle East and the Gulf that paves the way for diplomatic efforts," he said, adding Kyiv was ready to "respond in kind" if Moscow halted strikes.

Qatar

Qatar welcomed the deal while urging restraint.

"Qatar expresses its welcoming of the announcement of the ceasefire... considering it an initial step toward de-escalation," its foreign ministry said, reported Reuters.

"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.

Portugal 

The Portuguese government has welcomed the April 2026 ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. The statement on X reads, “The Portuguese Government welcomes the ceasefire agreement and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz achieved by the United States and Iran. Portugal thanks the mediation of Pakistan and, likewise, the efforts of all its partners in the negotiations.”