World reacts to US-Iran deal to extend ceasefire, reopen Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire in the U.S.–Iran conflict.

Pakistan, acting as mediator, announced that the Islamabad memorandum of understanding became effective on Wednesday.

U.S. officials said the deal obliges Iran to reaffirm its commitment not to develop a nuclear weapon, to halt hostilities across all fronts, and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, and a temporary ceasefire that eased the most intense fighting on April 8. This agreement extends the ceasefire for 60 days, opening the door for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, U.S. sanctions, and the release of frozen assets.

The following outlines global reactions to the news:

Iran

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, told domestic media that Tehran will closely monitor U.S. compliance without leniency and will not fulfill its commitments if Washington evades its obligations.

He added that Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of U.S. sanctions would be discussed during the 60‑day period, while Tehran’s missile programme would remain off the negotiating table.

He further stated that Iran will not ship its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad, that the United States must compel Israel to honor its commitments, and that Iran will establish a new management regime for the Strait of Hormuz together with Oman, including fees for services.

United States

Video footage captured President Donald Trump pausing before signing the interim agreement at the Versailles Palace.

“This was not easy,” Trump told the audience, extending his hands, “I can tell you that,” he said while signing the first page.

The interim deal, however, sparked criticism from fellow Republicans, who argue it wastes billions of taxpayer dollars and does little to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Nevertheless, some Republicans voiced support for the agreement.

Republican Senator Roger Marshall has praised the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States.

On X, Marshall called it a “winning deal” and said it surpasses the agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama, from which Trump withdrew the United States in 2018.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that he was honored to confirm that the historic Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had been electronically signed by the United States and Iran.

He wrote on X, “The memorandum was signed by the honorable presidents of both nations and endorsed by me as mediator; the signing at the highest governmental level demonstrates both sides’ commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.”

“May this memorandum serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect, and shared prosperity across the region,” he added.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

IAEA Director‑General Rafael Grossi welcomed the interim agreement and said the UN nuclear watchdog would devise a clear plan concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.

“It is good that the memorandum exists. Now the technical work begins,” Grossi told Reuters.

“It is time for the IAEA to meet with U.S. and Iranian officials to formulate concrete steps for managing Tehran’s nuclear programme.”

France

French President Emmanuel Macron posted a video of Trump signing the MoU at the Palace of Versailles near Paris.

He wrote on X late Wednesday, “President Trump signed tonight at Versailles the agreement between Iran and the United States.”

“This agreement paves the way for lasting peace and enables the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, representing an important step that should soon lower energy prices for our citizens.”

Hezbollah

Hezbollah Secretary‑General Naim Qassem hailed the agreement as a “big victory” and said Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel should focus solely on “mutual security,” keeping domestic issues such as disarmament off the table.

He said, “We congratulate the Iranian people, leadership and those who support freedom on this big victory, and thank the Islamic Republic for linking the Lebanon front – the resistance, which has made great sacrifices – and compelling Israel to cease its aggression,” in a televised address.

He added, “The ceiling for negotiations with Israel is mutual security… any disarmament proposal will not pass, as it is an Israeli scheme to take everything and ruin the country.”

China

China’s foreign ministry said it welcomed the interim US‑Iran agreement and urged both sides to approach forthcoming negotiations rationally and pragmatically.

Spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing that Beijing also hopes both parties will fulfill their commitments under the deal.

Russia

Russia’s foreign ministry said it welcomed the ceasefire agreement.

Source link