TEHRAN, Jun 15: World leaders have welcomed an announcement that Iran and the United States have reached a tentative deal to end the US-Israel war on Iran, including Israeli attacks on Lebanon, expressing hope for a potential path to a lasting end to the conflict.
The deal between the United States and Iran to end their war, negotiated in secret and still not revealed in detail, was greeted with scepticism but a measure of relief among ordinary people across the Middle East.
In Lebanon, AFP saw displaced people preparing to return to homes they fled in the south of the country, despite Israeli ministers declaring that they do not feel bound by the agreement to halt their own offensive against Hezbollah.
Here is how the world is reacting to the deal:
Pakistan: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the US-Iran deal a "historic step towards peace" Monday following weeks of his government mediating between the warring sides.
"Today, the world has seen a historic step towards peace. After the darkness of war, the sun of peace has risen," Sharif told Pakistani lawmakers after earlier announcing the deal would be signed in Geneva on June 19.
Qatar: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “appreciation for the determination of both the American and Iranian sides and their commitment to moving forward in resolving differences through negotiations and peaceful means”.
Minister of State Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi said he hoped the deal “will serve as a catalyst for broader efforts to advance stability and address outstanding issues through responsible and constructive engagement”.
Saudi Arabia: In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement “to end military operations and commence detailed negotiations over a 60-day period aimed at reaching a permanent agreement”.
UAE: The UAE stressed the need to “prioritise dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law in a manner that enhances security and stability in the region”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for “full compliance with the terms of the agreement,” including “an immediate and comprehensive halt to all hostile actions”.
It praised the diplomatic efforts led by Trump and reiterated the UAE’s support for all initiatives that “enhance security and stability”.
Kuwait: Kuwait has expressed a “warm welcome” for the memorandum of understanding reached between the US and Iran.
It also commended the role played by Pakistan and Qatar in contributing “to bridging viewpoints and creating the conditions for reaching this important understanding”.
China: China commended the agreement reached while also expressing “appreciation for the mediation efforts made by Pakistan”, a foreign ministry spokesperson said.
Türkiye: “I view the agreement reached between the United States and Iran as an important development for establishing peace and tranquillity in our region, and I welcome it with satisfaction,” President RecepTayyip Erdogan posted on X.
“As Türkiye, we will continue to support all efforts aimed at establishing peace, stability, and tranquillity in our region, and to contribute to lasting solutions based on diplomacy and international law.”
UN: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the deal as a “critical step” towards a “peaceful settlement of the conflict”.
EU: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the priority now was the “swift and full implementation by all parties” of the deal and that “freedom of navigation must be restored toll-free”.
“This is essential for regional stability and the global economy. It opens the door to broader negotiations on peace and security in the Middle East,” she added." AGENCIES
