US and Iran Reach Two-Week Ceasefire Agreement; UN and Countries React

South Korea welcomed the ceasefire, hoping it would ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels, including South Korean ships. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The Korean government hopes that negotiations between the two sides will conclude successfully, and peace and stability will be restored in the Middle East soon." The statement added, "The Korean government hopes that the freedom and safety of navigation for all vessels, including Korean vessels, in the Strait of Hormuz will be quickly secured, and will continue to communicate and consult with relevant countries for this purpose." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire but urged all parties to work towards long-term peace in the Middle East. Guterres' spokesperson said in a statement, "The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by the United States and Iran of a two-week ceasefire." The spokesperson added that Guterres "calls on all parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to abide by their obligations under international law and adhere to the terms of the ceasefire to pave the way for a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region." Australia warned that the longer the war drags on, "the more significant the impact on the global economy and the greater the humanitarian cost." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's office issued a statement saying, "Australia hopes to see the ceasefire maintained and a resolution to the conflict achieved." The statement added, "We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives." New Zealand welcomed the ceasefire but warned that "a lot of work" remains to ensure peace. A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, "While this is encouraging news, a lot of important work remains to be done in the coming days to ensure a lasting ceasefire." The spokesperson added, "In the coming days and weeks, New Zealand will support all efforts to achieve a sustained, durable end to this conflict." Japan stated that "concrete measures" are needed to de-escalate the crisis, including ensuring safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Japan, the world's fourth-largest economy, is the fifth-largest oil importer globally, with about 70% of its oil transported through this vital waterway before the war. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru said, "Most importantly, concrete measures will be taken to de-escalate the situation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz." The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs "welcomed" the ceasefire but called for "serious and sustainable dialogue" between the US and Iran. The Ministry stated on the X platform, "We call for the initiation of a serious and sustainable dialogue mechanism based on positive measures to address the root causes of disputes and strengthen mutual trust." Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States, Iran, and their allies have agreed to implement a ceasefire in "all places," including Lebanon. Sharif said on the X platform, "I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America and its allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire in all locations, including Lebanon and elsewhere, effective immediately." However, Israel later stated that the two-week ceasefire "does not include Lebanon." (Compiled by Li Peishan) 1150408