Pakistan wins global praise for brokering US-Iran agreement

Pakistan’s mediation efforts came under the spotlight on Monday as world leaders welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran to end the three-month-long conflict in the Middle East, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and provide reprieve to the struggling global economy.

The war, which triggered a global energy crisis, erupted after the US and Israel, on February 28, carried out a series of attacks on Iran that also led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The much-awaited peace deal that ended the three-month-long conflict in the Gulf was announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the early hours of Monday on a post shared on X. He noted that the official signing ceremony of the agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump also declared the end of war on Truth Social. 

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he said.

Trump has repeatedly appreciated the mediary role of Pakistan amid the intense conflict in the Middle East. World leaders also lauded Pakistan for leading the peace process and ensuring diplomatic engagement between the warring nations, which eventually led to a peace agreement.

Leaders and senior officials from the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, and Germany appreciated Pakistan and expressed support for the agreement that has paved the way for regional stability and ensured diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear programme.

UN Secretary-General

UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated Washington and Tehran for reaching a peace deal that “provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a framework for further negotiations.”

Building on this, he expressed “deep appreciation” for Pakistan’s role as an arbitrator in the conflict that critically impacts the world on several fronts. “This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict,” Gueterres remarked in a statement issued on X.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In a statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Ministry said the country welcomes the "agreement reached between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to end military operations and commence detailed negotiations over a 60-day period with the aim of reaching a permanent agreement."

The post highlighted the peacebuilding efforts of Pakistan alongside other key players that kept the diplomatic efforts towards peace afloat.

Qatar

Qatar Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi also shared a statement on social media appreciating the South Asian nation. “We commend the constructive efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in facilitating this process, alongside the support of regional and international partners,” he said.

The Gulf nation hoped the peace deal would catalyse regional stability and advance “constructive engagement” on outstanding issues.

A statement issued by Qatar's Foreign Ministry also underscored Qatar’s commitment to peace and dialogue as the most effective means of resolving differences in line with the principles of the UN charter. The statement also highlighted Pakistan’s role in creating the right conditions for the US-Iran MoU on outstanding issues, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Turkiye

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a post on X defined the agreement as an important development for establishing peace and tranquillity in the war-torn region and acknowledged the intermediary role of Pakistan in bringing about a desirable diplomatic outcome, “I thank Pakistan for its exceptional mediation efforts.”

He also warned against provocative rhetoric and acts of sabotage that may mar the peace process.

United Kingdom

UK PM Keir Starmer also welcomed the peace deal in a statement issued on X, saying, “I congratulate President Trump and the mediators from Pakistan, Qatar and elsewhere who have contributed to this breakthrough.”

The British premier described the maneuver, “A hugely important step forward in ending the war, ensuring regional stability and re-opening the Strait of Hormuz.”

Starmer further emphasised on the need for full implementation of the MoU to uphold permanent freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and finalise details of the nuclear agreement.

Australia

Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a joint statement, “commended the efforts to date of Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other mediating countries.”

The statement also noted that the country had long called for de-escalation and an end to the conflict in the Gulf as well as in Lebanon.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron also acknowledged the role of Pakistan and in a statement issued on social media, said that the agreement was the result of a diplomatic effort to which several partners have contributed, and called for its rapid and complete implementation by all belligerents.

Simultaneously, the president extended support to the Lebanese authorities for the restoration of the state’s sovereignty in the broader view of the Middle Eastern conflict. He highlighted the deal also paved the way for comprehensive negotiations in service of peace and security for all in the Gulf region.

Japan

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi appreciated the role of Pakistan and other countries in the peace process.

“We welcome the agreement on this memorandum as a major step toward the resolution of the situation. This is the result of the parties concerned pursuing a diplomatic solution and engaging in persistent negotiations,” he said in the statement. 

“At the same time, we highly commend the efforts of the relevant countries that have played a mediating role to date,” the PM added.

 

He expressed hope that the MoU would be steadily implemented and “free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will be actually ensured.”

Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the US-Iran peace deal and congratulated Trump and the Iranian side on this diplomatic breakthrough.

“This can pave the way towards a reinvigorated global economy and a more secure Middle East. It is crucial to implement it with determination,” he added.

New Zealand

New Zealand's FM Winston Peters, in a post shared on X, called the agreement, “A step towards reducing tensions and promoting stability in a region that is critical to global economic security.”

He said the maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz, curtailed by the war, had negatively impacted the country’s economy, and that its reopening would restore confidence in key supply chains.

Pakistani leadership, notably PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, have actively pursued peaceful diplomatic engagement between the warring nations since the onset of conflict.

The first ceasefire agreement reached by the US and Iran in April was also brought about by Pakistan’s efforts.