TEHRAN - In a diplomatic triumph for Iran, the United States has agreed to a two-week suspension of all attacks, following President Donald Trump’s capitulation to Tehran’s comprehensive 10-point peace plan. The announcement comes after a failed joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, highlighting Tehran’s ability to dictate terms and assert its strategic position in the region. Analysts note that the ceasefire underscores Iran’s growing influence and the limits of American military intervention.

The ceasefire has drawn responses from leaders and organizations around the world, highlighting both Iran’s diplomatic leverage and the international community’s emphasis on negotiation over military escalation.

Reactions in the US

The war on Iran has become increasingly unpopular in the United States, even among Trump supporters and segments of the Republican Party. Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, with some calling for the president’s removal from office. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer delivered a scathing critique on X, saying: "Trump is a military moron. His war, with a price tag of $44 billion and $4+ gas, made us worse off today than we were when he started it. And if he restarts this war we will be in even worse shape. We must pass our War Powers Resolution to end this war for good."

Pakistan leads regional mediation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country mediates the truce, thanked Pakistan’s partners—including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar—for their “invaluable and all-out support” in facilitating the ceasefire. Sharif highlighted that the collective diplomatic effort allowed for a “comprehensive and conclusive end to the conflict” and demonstrated the effectiveness of regional cooperation over external military pressure.

India calls for diplomacy

India welcomed the ceasefire and stressed the importance of dialogue and de-escalation. The Indian Foreign Ministry underscored the need for uninterrupted navigation and trade through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that regional conflict had already disrupted global energy supplies and trade networks.

China supports peace efforts

China hailed the ceasefire and voiced support for the mediation led by Pakistan. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated that disputes in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf must be resolved through political and diplomatic channels, ensuring long-term stability. Mao emphasized that China had also actively contributed to mediation efforts.

Russia welcomes ceasefire

The Kremlin praised the agreement as a critical step toward de-escalation. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “Each side should be able to defend its interests at the negotiating table, rather than through military action.” Russia’s response reflects a shared interest in containing conflict and promoting diplomacy in the region.

Western leaders urge continued negotiations

Several European leaders, alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, issued a joint statement endorsing the ceasefire and the role of Pakistan and other partners in facilitating it. The statement, signed by President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and others, urged swift progress toward a substantive negotiated settlement. Officials stressed that full implementation of the ceasefire was essential to protect civilians, ensure regional security, and prevent a global energy crisis.

Praising peace 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that the ceasefire would hold, while Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to lasting peace in talks with Iranian officials. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the truce, emphasizing the importance of including Lebanon in regional stability efforts. Qatar described the ceasefire as an initial step toward de-escalation and urged strict adherence to consolidate calm. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan praised the agreement, affirming that diplomacy must prevail to resolve outstanding issues.

Arsenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organization, also welcomed the ceasefire and confirmed that steps are being taken to ensure safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Pope Leo XIV described the truce as a “sign of real hope” and called for a return to negotiations to bring the conflict to a definitive end.

A strategic victory for Iran

The ceasefire represents a clear diplomatic and strategic success for Iran, demonstrating its ability to withstand external pressure and shape regional outcomes on its terms. Experts say the agreement reinforces Iran’s position as a regional power capable of defending its interests through diplomacy and calculated restraint, while limiting the capacity of the US and its allies to impose military solutions.

With the two-week truce in effect, the focus now turns to sustaining dialogue and negotiations to secure a lasting resolution. Analysts view the ceasefire as a turning point that could stabilize the Middle East and prevent further escalation, highlighting the efficacy of Iranian diplomacy and the influence of regional mediators in resolving conflicts.