Middle East Nations React to Iran-US Ceasefire Announcement

US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire

A temporary truce between the United States and Iran has been agreed upon, allowing for safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire, which will last for two weeks, was announced in the early hours of Wednesday. As part of the agreement, both sides have suspended attacks on each other.

The US President Donald Trump stated that he would suspend attacks subject to Tehran agreeing to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil flows. Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that a safe passage through the vital waterway will be possible for a period of two weeks through coordination with the country’s armed forces.

The ceasefire has been welcomed by several countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Oman. The Saudi Arabian foreign ministry expressed hope that the ceasefire would “lead to a comprehensive sustainable pacification”. Oman’s foreign ministry also welcomed the announcement, stating that it appreciates the efforts of Pakistan and all parties calling for an end to the war.

Other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, have also reacted positively to the ceasefire. The UAE diplomatic adviser, Anwar Gargash, hailed the country’s “triumph” in avoiding a longer conflict. Iraq’s foreign ministry called for “serious and sustainable dialogue” between the US and Iran to address the root causes of the disputes.

The ceasefire is set to begin on Friday in Pakistan, where talks are scheduled to take place. The development marks an end to weeks-long fighting that had embroiled nearly the entire Middle East.

Source: Al Jazeera