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New Delhi: Global reactions to the two-week ceasefire agreed upon by the US and Iran have started coming in, with leaders pointing out that much work needs to be done.

US President Donald Trump abruptly announced a two-week suspension, calling Iran’s 10-point peace proposal “workable”, after he had made genocidal threats on obliterating Iran’s civilisation.

World leaders had largely remained silent in face of the US threat of nuclear annihilation and war crimes. Today, several countries have thanked Pakistan for the diplomatic role it played in brokering the deal.

The Australian government which was one of the few to call out Trump’s genocidal threats has welcomed the agreement.

“The Australian government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now,” Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement today.

“Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices,” they added.

Albanese and Wong said Canberra had been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies can flow to those who need it, including the most vulnerable.

Albanese had told Sky News television that Trump’s threat to the Iranian population was not appropriate.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to use language such as that from the President of the United States. And I think it will cause some concern,” Albanese said.

“We’ve said very clearly that the conduct of any conflict must be within international law and that provides for making sure that civilians – who aren’t parties to the conflict – are given every protection possible,” the prime minister added.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wholeheartedly welcomed the development.

On X, his official account wrote that the proposal “augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of the world.”

“It is earnestly hoped that the negotiation process will be conducted in good faith, with a firm resolve to seeking lasting resolution to the issues currently facing the region. Peace talks cannot succeed if the proceedings are cloaked in deception and double-dealing,” Ibrahim wrote.

Ibrahim also commented on the implications in the region. “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.

He extended good wishes and appreciation to Pakistan for its role in the mediation as well, calling Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomacy “tireless and courageous.”

“Pakistan’s willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour, reflects the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility. Malaysia stands ready to support and complement all efforts in this regard,” he said.

Ibrahim also called on the international community to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilian populations affected by this war. “Let this be a turning point towards lasting peace. The world cannot afford for it to be anything less.”

The Egyptian foreign ministry said said that the move “represents a very important opportunity that must be seized to make room for negotiations, diplomacy and constructive dialogue”.

In a statement on Facebook it said that the truce must be built upon with a full commitment to “stopping military operations and respecting freedom of international navigation”.

It said that Egypt will continue efforts with Pakistan and Turkiye “to promote security and stability in the region”, and that the talks between the US and Iran “must take into account the legitimate security concerns” of the Gulf nations.

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said his nation “welcomes the announcement as a positive development.”

“We hope they reach an agreement,” the official was quoted as having said.

New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters said that important work remains to be done. “While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire,” he wrote on X.

Peters also thanked Pakistan and other nations.

“We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Turkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to the crisis. As we discussed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, this conflict has had wide-ranging impacts and disruptions – for both those in the Middle East and further afield including in New Zealand and the Pacific region,” he wrote.

Peters said that New Zealand will stand in support of all efforts to bring about a lasting, durable end to this conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the two-week ceasefire.

His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement that Guterres called on all the parties “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”.

He added that “an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering”.

Dujarric also confirmed that the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Jean Arnault is “in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace”.

© The Wire