Several Countries Celebrate US-Iran Ceasefire

The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable option. President of Colombia Gustavo Petro stated his support on Wednesday for US President Donald Trump’s decision to implement a two-week ceasefire with Iran. “I am convinced that the latest decision by US President Donald Trump is the right one. No single person can destroy – or even talk about the destruction of – human civilisation,” Petro said on X. Australia also welcomed the ceasefire in the Middle East after previously calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict. “Australia welcomes the agreement between the United States, Israel, and Iran regarding a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East,” read a joint statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Australia added that it is working with international partners to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure supplies of essential resources. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that the cessation of hostilities between the US and Iran provides an opportunity for diplomacy and talks. Japan also welcomed Trump’s decision to halt military strikes against Iran, said Japanese Cabinet Secretary Chief Minoru Kihara. The priority remains on “achieving a resolution to the situation, including ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Kihara added. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said its country welcomes the US-Iran ceasefire, adding that it will help reduce tensions in the region. On Tuesday night, Trump announced that he had approved a two-week bilateral ceasefire with Iran, and promised that Iran has also agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, after the ceasefire, Tehran will begin talks with the US in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.