WR DESK: Pakistan’s mediation efforts came under the spotlight on Monday as world leaders welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran to end the three-month-long conflict in the Middle East, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and provide reprieve to the struggling global economy. The war, which triggered a global energy crisis, erupted after the US and Israel, on February 28, carried out a series of attacks on Iran that also led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The much-awaited peace deal that ended the three-month-long conflict in the Gulf was announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the early hours of Monday on a post shared on X. He noted that the official signing ceremony of the agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland. At the same time, US President Donald Trump also declared the end of war on Truth Social. “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he said.

Trump has repeatedly appreciated the mediary role of Pakistan amid the intense conflict in the Middle East. World leaders also lauded Pakistan for leading the peace process and ensuring diplomatic engagement between the warring nations, which eventually led to a peace agreement.

Leaders and senior officials from the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, and Germany appreciated Pakistan and expressed support for the agreement that has paved the way for regional stability and ensured diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear programme. UN Secretary-General AntónioGuterres congratulated Washington and Tehran for reaching a peace deal that “provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a framework for further negotiations.”

Building on this, he expressed “deep appreciation” for Pakistan’s role as an arbitrator in the conflict that critically impacts the world on several fronts. “This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict,” Gueterres remarked in a statement issued on X. In a statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Ministry said the country welcomes the "agreement reached between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to end military operations and commence detailed negotiations over a 60-day period with the aim of reaching a permanent agreement."