World reacts to ceasefire between US and Iran

2026-04-08 11:59:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The United States and Iran agreed on Wednesday to a two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan.

During this time, the parties are expected to hold talks on a permanent peace agreement.

Below you can read reactions from around the world to the temporary ceasefire:

EUROPEAN UNION

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, saying it would reduce tensions.

"I welcome the two-week ceasefire that the US and Iran agreed to last night. It brings a much-needed de-escalation," she said, adding that it is essential that negotiations continue for a lasting solution.

GERMANY

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also welcomed the ceasefire in the Middle East war and called for a final end to the conflict.

The goal now is "to negotiate a sustainable end to the war in the coming days," he said in a statement.

"This can only be achieved through diplomacy . "

He added that Germany will contribute "to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

France

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the ceasefire, calling the agreement "a very good thing."

"We expect that in the coming days and weeks it will be fully respected throughout the region and allow negotiations to take place ," Macron said at the start of a meeting of senior defense and security officials.

"Our desire is to ensure that the ceasefire fully includes Lebanon ," he added.

UNITED KINGDOM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has travelled to the Gulf for talks with regional leaders in an effort to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is permanently opened following a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, his office announced.

"I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief for the region and the world," Starmer said in a statement.

"Together with our partners, we must do everything we can to support and preserve this ceasefire, to turn it into a long-term agreement, and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz ," he added.

SPAIN

Spain says humanity came closer to disaster with Trump's ultimatum to Iran

The world came "dangerously close" to a catastrophe after US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian civilization in his ultimatum to Tehran, Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said after the ceasefire was announced.

He told RNE radio that Trump's ultimatum was "absolutely unacceptable to humanity" and that it is too early to determine whether the conflict has finally ended.

"When the leader of a military superpower makes such threats, I take them seriously ," he added.

CHINA

China said it welcomes the ceasefire between the US and Iran.

"China welcomes the relevant parties' announcement of a ceasefire agreement," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, adding that China will continue to work to restore peace in the Middle East.

EGYPT

Egypt, which in recent weeks has helped mediate messages between the US and Iran, welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a two-week ceasefire.

In an overnight call with US envoy Steve Witkoff, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty "expressed his deep appreciation for this important American step to give diplomacy a chance and to launch a serious US-Iranian negotiation process."

The Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire is a "crucial opportunity that must be seized to pave the way for negotiations" and stressed that Egypt is committed to "continuing tireless efforts" alongside Pakistan and Turkey.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

A senior United Arab Emirates official said his country has emerged victorious from the US-Iran war after declaring a two-week ceasefire.

"The United Arab Emirates emerged victorious from a war we sincerely sought to avoid," presidential advisor Anwar Gargash said in a post on X.

"Today we are prepared to navigate a complex regional landscape with more resources, a deeper understanding, and a stronger capacity to influence and shape the future," he added.

TURKEY

Turkey called on all parties to respect the ceasefire reached between the US and Iran.

"We insist that the temporary ceasefire be fully implemented on the ground and hope that all parties adhere to the agreement," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. /REL