Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday commended the efforts of Pakistan, Qatar, and other allied nations in facilitating a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending hostilities in the region. The ministry underscored Kuwait’s commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means in line with international law and the United Nations Charter. It expressed optimism that the agreement would lay the foundation for addressing unresolved issues through sustainable measures promoting good neighborliness, mutual respect, confidence-building, and non-interference in domestic affairs.
The statement emphasized that these initiatives are intended to bolster regional and international security and stability, while safeguarding continued freedom of navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait called on all involved parties to engage constructively in forthcoming negotiations to foster cooperation, stability, and prosperity for regional populations and the broader international community.
Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire accord, highlighting plans to cease military operations and commence detailed talks within 60 days aimed at reaching a permanent resolution. Riyadh stressed the importance of restoring security and freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz to conditions prior to the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. It also called for an agreement that takes into account the security interests of all regional states.
The United Arab Emirates emphasized the necessity of dialogue, diplomacy, and strict adherence to international law, urging full compliance with the terms of the agreement to ensure an immediate cessation of aggressive acts, respect for sovereignty, and protection of maritime routes, with particular attention to the uninterrupted flow of traffic through the Hormuz Strait.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also welcomed the memorandum of understanding, praising Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye for their constructive roles. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter.
Several regional states voiced support for the agreement. Iraq welcomed the ceasefire, expressing hopes to restore relations with neighboring countries affected by the conflict and emphasizing dialogue over war. Iraq also noted the significance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz for global energy markets. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the accord as a recognition of Lebanon’s security being intertwined with regional stability and expressed hopes for reconstruction and normalization. Palestine welcomed the agreement while reiterating calls for an end to the Gaza conflict and the establishment of a sovereign and independent state. Jordan described the deal as a critical step toward renewed regional and global security.
International reactions included positive responses from Spain, Malaysia, and China. Beijing commended Pakistan’s mediation efforts, highlighted the vital importance of the Hormuz Strait as an international shipping route, and pledged to continue supporting stability in the Gulf and Middle East.
The agreement is scheduled for signing in Geneva on June 19 and is expected to pave the way for discussions on Iran’s nuclear program and other unresolved issues. On the same day, the United States and Iran announced a preliminary deal extending the ceasefire and allowing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, details remain sparse, and implementation is contingent on the agreement’s formal signing.
Significant challenges persist. Israel, which entered the conflict alongside the United States on February 28, is not a party to the ceasefire deal and has signaled its intent to maintain positions in Lebanon, where it is engaged against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. Israeli officials stated they will continue to act in self-defense, a stance that may complicate broader peace efforts, given Iran’s insistence that any cessation of hostilities address the fighting in Lebanon.
Additional obstacles include a tight 60-day deadline to negotiate the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its nuclear program, which the U.S. and Israel suspect could be diverted to weapons development despite Tehran’s claims of peaceful intentions. The complexity echoes the protracted negotiations leading to the 2015 nuclear deal, which the United States withdrew from under the Trump administration.
The conflict, which has resulted in thousands of casualties across the Middle East and driven significant increases in prices for fuel, food, and essential goods, continues to challenge diplomatic efforts. Former President Donald Trump lauded the agreement on social media, asserting that he authorized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, though he later clarified the strait’s opening would not occur until Friday. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the accord on state television but noted that Tehran will await the formal signing before implementing the terms.