Pakistan in spotlight as world leaders hail Islamabad's role in US-Iran ceasefire

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Apr, 2026) As the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran reached an agreement on a two-week ceasefire, world leaders warmly welcomed the long-awaited development, particularly praising Pakistan’s effective mediation, which helped avert a catastrophic escalation in the region.

During the US-Iran war, Pakistan emerged as a key diplomatic player as the country avoided taking sides, having condemned the US and Israel attacks on Iran and on the friendly Gulf countries by Iran. Pakistan also hosted the quadrilateral talks in Islamabad and announced a seven-point peace plan, which followed an almost identical five-point plan in Beijing.

On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earnestly requested the US to extend its deadline for the bombing of Iran for two weeks, and also requested Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for the corresponding period as a goodwill gesture.

As the world acknowledged Pakistan’s crucial mediatory role in de-escalation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s request to the conflicting countries became the centre of international focus just before President Trump’s deadline expired, who also renewed his threat that “a whole civilisation will die tonight.”

United States

Hours after Prime Minister Shehbaz's request on his X timeline, US President Donald Trump also took to his social media platform Truth Social, announcing the suspension of the bombing and attack on Iran for a period of two weeks.

He said that the announcement was based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who requested that the "destructive force" being sent tonight to Iran be held.

Iran

Foreign Minister of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in a statement, on behalf of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.

The Council announced that the Iranian armed forces would cease the "defensive operations" if attacks against Iran were halted, and that for a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible via coordination with Iran’s armed forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.

UN Secretary-General

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the announcement of ceasefire, describing it as a positive step toward de-escalating tensions in the middle East.

He also expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts led by Pakistan and other nations working to facilitate the ceasefire agreement.

European Union

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called the ceasefire a "step back from the brink" after weeks of escalation.

"It creates a much-needed chance to tone down threats, stop missiles, restart shipping, and create space for diplomacy towards a lasting agreement. The Strait of Hormuz must be open for passage again."

Referring to her telephonic conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, she said she thanked him for securing this initial deal. The door to mediation must remain open, as the underlying causes of the war remain unresolved, she added.

Germany

"We thank Pakistan for its mediation. The aim now is to negotiate a lasting end to the war. We are in close coordination with our partners on this matter," German Chancellor Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz wrote on X, welcoming the ceasefire between the US and Iran.

"Finally, some good news in politics too," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul separately wrote on X.

"Our thanks, and the thanks of the people of an entire region, go to all those who have supported this agreement—especially Pakistan," he remarked.

Malaysia

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

Ibrahim, in a post on X, reiterated his support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, appreciating its “willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour”.

He said that Pakistan’s efforts manifested “the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility”.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a statement, welcomed the US-Iran agreement and said that Australia had been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies could flow to those who need it, including the most vulnerable.

"We thank and support the work of negotiators, including Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, in advancing de-escalation efforts.

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Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane also congratulated Pakistan on its “effective diplomacy” in the ceasefire.

In a post on X, the Australian envoy said, “Congratulations, Pakistan, on your effective diplomacy and efforts to bring peace! Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict”.

UK

"I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world," Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer said.

In a post on X, he called for concerted efforts to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

On her X timeline, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott appreciated Pakistan’s role in the mediation efforts.

“Thank you, Pakistan, for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire”.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in a post on X, 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.

Turkiye

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the temporary ceasefire and called for its full implementation on the ground, expressing the expectation that all parties would adhere to the agreement reached.

The ministry assured that Turkiye would continue to extend all necessary support for the successful conclusion of the negotiations to be held in Islamabad.

"We congratulate brotherly Pakistan for its role throughout this process and express our wish for the continuation of all initiatives that contribute to peace," it added.

Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, in a statement, welcomed the announcements by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the ceasefire agreement reached between the US and Iran.

The ministry noted in this context the fruitful efforts made by Pakistan's leadership, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in reaching this agreement.

Egypt

Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, welcomed the ceasefire and affirmed that the suspension of military operations, alongside the response from the Iranian side, represented a critical opportunity to advance diplomatic efforts and initiate constructive dialogue.

Egypt also reaffirmed its support for all initiatives aimed at achieving peace and stability, highlighting its continued coordination with Pakistan and Türkiye, as well as other regional and international partners, to advance these objectives.

Oman

Oman’s foreign ministry, in a statement, also welcomed the ceasefire, and appreciated the efforts by Pakistan in this regard.

“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.

New Zealand

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also lauded Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt for helping reach a resolution.

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

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

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.

Indonesia

Indonesia also welcomed the two-week ceasefire as country's foreign ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said that the move reflected the willingness of the conflicting parties to pursue diplomatic channels.

"Indonesia views this momentum as a positive beginning and encourages that this opportunity be utilised optimally to advance a sustainable peaceful resolution.