Pakistan's mediatory role acclaimed as world welcomes US-Iran agreement

Islamabad’s mediatory role, as well as those of other countries, was in the limelight on Monday as world leaders welcomed a much-awaited agreement between Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions and eventually end a war that began more than three months ago and crippled the world economy. The preliminary agreement, first announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is being hailed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough that could restore peace in the Middle East, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease global economic pressures. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres congratulated the US and Iran for having reached a peace deal that provided for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a framework for further negotiations. “This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict,” Guterres remarked. “My deep appreciation goes to Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and other regional countries, for the constructive role played in supporting the negotiations that led to the peace deal,” he added. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a joint statement, commended the efforts to date of Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and other mediating countries. They emphasised that Australia had long called for de-escalation, including in Lebanon, and welcomed steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the agreement as an “important development for establishing peace and tranquility in our region”. He specifically thanked Pakistan for its exceptional mediation efforts and also appreciated the support provided by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its statement, extended thanks to “our brothers in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan”, as well as to all regional and international parties that contributed to the agreement. The statement highlighted Pakistan’s role in