Nations Welcome US-Iran Ceasefire As Hopes Rise For West Asia Conflict De-Escalation

ISTANBUL, April 8 (Bernama-Anadolu-Antara) -- Leaders around the world have welcomed the newly announced two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing cautious optimism that it could pave the way for a broader resolution to the conflict in West Asia, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed what he described as a “positive development,” referencing a proposed 10-point plan by Iran that has been received favourably by Washington.

"This proposal augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of the world," he wrote on X, expressing deep appreciation to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for tireless and courageous diplomacy, highlighting Islamabad’s role in engaging all sides.

Anwar emphasised that any lasting resolution should extend beyond Iran to include stability in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, while also calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara described the ceasefire as a “positive move,” stressing that meaningful de-escalation remains a top priority, according to Kyodo News.

Tokyo expressed hope that the temporary truce would lead to a final and lasting agreement.

Australia also welcomed the ceasefire, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday.

"The Australian Government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now," Albanese said in a statement.

"Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict. We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life," he added.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also welcomed the announcement, thanking Pakistan on its mediation effort.

He noted that the aim is now to negotiate a "lasting end to the war."

"We are in close coordination with our partners on this matter," Merz wrote on X.

Oman, in welcoming the ceasefire, called for intensified efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.

In a statement on Wednesday, Oman’s Foreign Ministry expressed appreciation for mediation efforts, particularly those led by Pakistan, as well as other parties working to end the war.

The ministry emphasised the importance of building on the ceasefire to address “the root causes of the crisis” and ensure a permanent end to hostilities in the region.

Ukraine also welcome the ceasefire, calling for similar result to end the war against the country.

“We welcome the agreement between President Trump and the Iranian regime to unblock the Hormuz strait and cease fire, as well as Pakistan’s mediation efforts. American decisiveness works,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X.

Meanwhile, Indonesia also welcome the two-week ceasefire, according to the republic’s Foreign Ministry.

The ministry’s spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said that the move reflects the willingness of the conflicting parties to pursue diplomatic channels.

“Indonesia views this momentum as a positive beginning and encourages that this opportunity be utilised optimally to advance a sustainable peaceful resolution,” Yvonne said in Jakarta, ANTARA News Agency reported. 

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU-ANTARA