'Momentary relief': World leaders react to US-Iran ceasefire

PARIS and LONDON -- Foreign leaders expressed hope for a full peace deal to end the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran in their reactions to Tuesday's two-week ceasefire, which was first announced by President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Iranian officials.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a post to X that the ceasefire agreement "will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world. Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz."

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani likewise suggested the ceasefire was "a very positive development" which "moves us toward a peace agreement -- for the civilian population, for the region, and for Israel -- but also for our economy."

German Friedrich Merz thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts, adding in a post to X, "The aim now is to negotiate a lasting end to the war. We are in close coordination with our partners on this matter."

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said the ceasefire brought "much-needed de-escalation" and said that further negotiations are "crucial."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has been a prominent European critic of the war, said in a post to X that the ceasefire was "welcome news," but added, "Momentary relief must not make us forget the chaos, the destruction, and the lives lost."

"The Spanish government will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket," Sanchez added. "What is needed now: diplomacy, international law, and PEACE."

French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that the situation in Lebanon -- another theater of the conflict in which Israel is fighting against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia -- is "critical." 

Macron said the ceasefire extended to Lebanon, as did Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said overnight that Lebanon was not included in the agreement. Israel continued intense strikes in Lebanon, including on Beirut, on Wednesday.

Macron called the ceasefire "a very good thing" and said the question of Lebanon is "one of the most delicate.” Hezbollah, Macron said, made a "strategic error" by attacking Israel and dragging Lebanon into the regional crisis, but said Israel's strikes and occupation of southern Lebanon "cannot be a long-term response."

Persian Gulf and other regional nations also welcomed the ceasefire in Iran, though several reported fresh Iranian drone and missile attacks on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry expressed its support for the pause in a statement posted to X, while Qatar's Foreign Ministry described the ceasefire as "an initial step toward de-escalation." Doha also stressed "the necessity for the Islamic Republic of Iran to take the initiative to immediately cease all hostile acts and practices."

Oman -- traditionally a mediator of U.S.-Iranian talks -- said in a Foreign Ministry statement that it affirmed "the importance of intensifying efforts now to find solutions capable of ending the crisis at its roots and achieving a permanent cessation of the state of war and hostile acts in the region."

Jordan's Foreign Ministry in a post to X "emphasized the importance of opening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring freedom of international navigation without restrictions in accordance with international law."

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said in a post to X that the news "undoubtedly brought relief to the hearts of millions of peace-loving people across all corners of the earth," adding that Cairo valued Trump's "decision to heed the voice of reason."

The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing its backing for the peace process, adding, "We will continue to extend all necessary support for the successful conclusion of the negotiations to be held in Islamabad," referring to Friday's planned talks.