World leaders on Thursday welcomed the landmark Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough that could reduce regional tensions and promote long-term stability in the Middle East.
Russia and China were among the first countries to endorse the agreement, urging both sides to build on the momentum created by the ceasefire.
Speaking at an ASEAN summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the deal could help stabilise the Middle East and ease pressure on global energy markets. Russia’s Foreign Ministry also formally welcomed the memorandum signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described the first-phase agreement as a move of “positive significance for easing tensions”. Referring to diplomatic initiatives, including a joint five-point proposal by China and Pakistan, he stressed that military action cannot resolve disputes.
“Equal-footed negotiation is the right path,” he said, encouraging both countries to pursue the next phase of talks with a practical and constructive approach.
Qatar also welcomed the agreement, praising provisions related to the cessation of military operations and guarantees for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Doha called the memorandum a “renewed affirmation of the two sides’ commitment to resolving their differences” through peaceful dialogue.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry said the deal provided a “solid foundation” for future negotiations and commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating the breakthrough.
Western leaders likewise expressed optimism about the agreement’s potential economic and security benefits. G7 leaders described it as a “historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring any nuclear weapon”.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the accord would prevent a “situation of great instability that had terrible consequences for our economies.”
“This agreement paves the way for lasting peace and allows the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” Macron wrote. “It is an important step in the right direction for our compatriots that will soon enable a decrease in energy prices.”
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also welcomed the development, stressing the importance of restoring “free and safe navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz through the memorandum’s effective implementation.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem described the extension of the truce as a “big victory”.
During a televised address, he thanked Iran for linking developments on the Lebanese front to the broader conflict and pressuring Israel to halt its military campaign.
However, he rejected calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament, stating: “The ceiling for the negotiations with the Israeli enemy is mutual security … and any proposal under the banner of disarmament will not pass, as this is an Israeli recipe for taking everything and wrecking the country.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adopted a more cautious tone, emphasising the importance of maintaining close coordination with Washington.
“The struggle is not yet over, and further challenges lie ahead,” Netanyahu said. “They require calm judgement, steadfast defence of Israel’s security interests, and at the same time the preservation of our vital relationship with our American friends, who stood shoulder to shoulder with us in this fight — a partnership we deeply appreciate.”
Meanwhile, support for the agreement continued to grow diplomatically. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received congratulatory calls from Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
The leaders congratulated Pakistan on the signing of the memorandum and its role as a mediator, while praising Islamabad’s sustained diplomatic engagement that helped facilitate the agreement.
