A coalition of world leaders has called for urgent diplomatic engagement following the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, warning that failure to secure a lasting agreement could trigger a broader regional and global crisis.
In a joint statement, leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stressed that diplomacy must now take precedence over military action.
“We welcome the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran today,” the leaders said, acknowledging the role of intermediaries. “We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement.”
The statement, also endorsed by European leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, emphasised that the truce must serve as a stepping stone toward a permanent resolution.
“The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means,” the statement read, urging “quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement.”
Warning of far-reaching consequences, the leaders said the conflict risks destabilising global energy markets and endangering civilian lives. A negotiated settlement, they noted, would be “crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region” while helping avert a severe global energy crisis.
Reaffirming support for ongoing mediation efforts, the coalition said it remains in close contact with the United States and other stakeholders to push forward peace talks. It also called for broader de-escalation across the region, urging all sides to implement ceasefire measures in other flashpoints, including Lebanon.
The leaders further pledged to safeguard global trade routes, stating that their governments would work to ensure freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The joint diplomatic push follows US President Donald Trump announcing a two-week, “double-sided” ceasefire with Iran, suspending the American “bombing and attack” campaign and signalling that a 10-point proposal from Tehran could form the basis for a long-term agreement.
