US-Iran Ceasefire for Two Weeks; Pope, EU, Egypt, and Other Nations Welcome

Reuters reported today that Pope Leo XIV expressed his pleasure at the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war. The Pope has publicly criticized the conflict in recent weeks, saying yesterday that US President Donald Trump's threats against the Iranian people were unacceptable.

AFP reported today that Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Iran, calling it 'pulling back from the brink' and creating 'much-needed' space for diplomatic mediation.

Kallas wrote on social media platform X that the ceasefire agreement 'creates a much-needed opportunity to de-escalate threats, stop missile attacks, restart shipping, and create space for diplomatic mediation to reach a lasting agreement.' She added, 'The EU is ready to support relevant efforts and is in contact with partners in the region.'

She is expected to travel to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, today to meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi Arabia today expressed support for the US-Iran ceasefire agreement and called for a comprehensive agreement to restore regional stability.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that Saudi Arabia hopes this ceasefire will be an opportunity to achieve comprehensive and sustainable de-escalation, strengthen regional security, and also hopes that all attacks or policies that undermine the sovereignty, security, and stability of regional countries will cease.

French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling it 'a very good thing.'

Macron said at the start of a high-level defense and security meeting: 'We expect the agreement to be fully observed throughout the region in the coming days and weeks, and for negotiations to begin.'

Although Israel stated its support for Trump's two-week halt to bombing Iran, it emphasized that this last-minute decision does not include Lebanon. Lebanon was drawn into the war after the Iranian-backed Shiite fundamentalist militia 'Hezbollah' fired rockets at Israel.

Egypt, which has been actively mediating between the US and Iran in recent weeks, today welcomed Trump's announcement of a two-week suspension of military operations.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, in a late-night call with US envoy Steve Witkoff, 'expressed deep appreciation for this important US initiative to provide an opportunity for diplomatic mediation and initiate a serious negotiation process between the US and Iran.'

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also said that this ceasefire is 'an important opportunity to pave the way for negotiations and must be seized,' and that Egypt, along with Pakistan and Turkey, will continue to work tirelessly.

Turkey today called on all parties to abide by the ceasefire reached between the US and Iran. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement: 'We insist that this temporary ceasefire must be fully implemented, and we hope that all parties will abide by the agreement.'

Qatar also welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Iran and called on the Iranian authorities to cease all hostilities.

In addition, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also said at a press conference: 'China welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire arrangement by the relevant parties.' She also emphasized that China will continue to work hard to achieve long-term peace and stability in the Middle East. (Compiled by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150408