Kazakhstan Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the achievement of a ceasefire agreement amid the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. “President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomes the achievement of the ceasefire and full peace agreement in the Middle East, reached through mediation by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir,” according to a statement from the Kazakhstan Presidential Press Office posted on the X platform on Wednesday. According to President Tokayev, the agreement was realised thanks to the goodwill and wisdom of US President Donald Trump along with Iran’s senior leaders, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict. President Tokayev also expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement will be long-lasting and contribute to the development of global trade and the economic prosperity of all nations. The escalation of tensions around Iran has caused a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets. That blockade has also affected export levels and oil production in the region, thereby driving up prices. Previously, President Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran, which will be observed by both sides for two weeks, and stated that the Strait of Hormuz will soon be reopened. Iran’s 10-point ceasefire proposal was deemed by the United States as a “workable basis” for negotiations. Iran’s SNSC stated that the agreement with the United States includes several important points, among others, Iran retaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of all sanctions against Tehran, the continuation of the uranium enrichment programme, and the withdrawal of all US forces from the Middle East.