• UN chief wants all sides to build on momentum towards final resolution • EU calls it ‘major breakthrough’
• China, UK, Turkiye, Italy, Qatar, and many other nations praise Pakistan’s efforts

NEW YORK/BRUSSELS: Islamabad’s mediating role, along with that of other countries, came into sharp focus on Monday as world leaders welcomed a long-awaited agreement between Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for ending a war that had raged for more than three months and battered the global economy.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the permanent ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz a critical step and urged all sides to build on momentum towards a final resolution of the Middle East conflict.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the deal as a major breakthrough, saying it could enable deeper negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional issues.

Many countries including China, UK, Turkiye, Italy, Qatar and others praised Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts, while the European Union called the agreement a major breakthrough and the United Nations chief urged continued momentum toward a final resolution.

Leaders across Europe broadly welcomed the agreement as a step toward regional stability, with British PM Keir Starmer praising it as important for ending the war and reopening of Hormuz, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulating the parties, French President Emmanuel Macron noting it resulted from collective diplomacy, and Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni lauding Pakistan and Qatar for their role.

Across the Middle East, leaders including Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the agreement as an important development for peace and stability, thanking Pakistan for its exceptional mediation efforts, while Qatar and Kuwait also commended the outcome and diplomatic efforts by Pakistan.

Also, China praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts and called for reopening of Hormuz, while Japan welcomed the deal, India emphasised restoration of peace and freedom of navigation, and Australia, New Zealand, and Canada commended the diplomatic efforts.

Saudi Arabia called for detailed negotiations within sixty days toward a permanent agreement. The Netherlands described the deal as hopeful for regional stability including Lebanon.

Australia, New Zealand, and Canada jointly welcomed the agreement and commended Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye for their diplomatic roles in wider regional diplomacy efforts.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026