The ceasefire, announced late Tuesday after intense diplomatic efforts, pauses hostilities for an initial two-week period. The deal followed a last-minute mediation led by Pakistan and aims to halt military strikes while negotiations continue on a broader peace framework. According to reporting by The Guardian, the agreement also includes provisions intended to allow the temporary reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

The truce has been met with widespread relief across Europe, with leaders stressing that restoring safe maritime traffic through the strait is essential for stabilising global energy markets and avoiding further economic disruption. European officials have urged both sides to respect the ceasefire and commit to diplomatic negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent settlement.

France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, welcomed the agreement but warned that it must lead to a broader peace initiative across the region. Macron said about 15 countries were working together under French coordination to help facilitate the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasised that restoring navigation in the waterway was vital for global trade and energy security.

Other European leaders also issued statements urging caution. The EU’s foreign policy chief described the ceasefire as “a step back from the brink” after weeks of escalating tensions and missile exchanges. Leaders from several European nations echoed that sentiment, stressing that the fragile pause in fighting must now be used to pursue diplomacy and prevent a return to open conflict.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, said ceasefires are always welcome but warned that the momentary relief should not obscure the destruction caused by the conflict. In a message on social media, he said the international community must push for a “just and lasting peace” rather than simply celebrating a temporary halt in hostilities.

In total, around ten European leaders and senior officials issued statements backing the ceasefire and calling for renewed diplomacy. While the truce offers a rare moment of optimism, many warned that the agreement remains fragile and that sustained negotiations will be required to transform the provisional ceasefire into a durable peace settlement.