Qatar welcomed a Pakistan-brokered U.S.-Iran ceasefire as a first step towards de-escalation, urging further diplomacy even as regional tensions persist.
Qatar has welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, brokered by Pakistan early on Wednesday, following more than a month of war that threatened the Middle East’s security and stability.
In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said it considered the deal “an initial step towards de-escalation” while “stressing the need to build on it urgently to prevent the spread of tension in the region”.
Statement | Qatar Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement
Doha | April 08, 2026
The State of Qatar welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering it an initial step towards de-escalation, and… pic.twitter.com/5v4annfZMn
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) April 8, 2026
The statement also expressed Qatar’s appreciation for Pakistan, including its Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Marshal Asim Munir.
Qatar also called on Iran to immediately halt its “hostile acts and practices that undermine regional stability and to respect the sovereignty of states”.
“The ministry also stresses the importance of ensuring the security of maritime routes and the freedom of navigation and international trade in accordance with the rules of international law, which contributes to maintaining the stability of the region and global supply chain,” the statement added.
It also reiterated “Qatar’s unwavering support for all diplomatic efforts and peaceful endeavours, stressing that serious and responsible dialogue and adherence to the principles of international law and good neighbourliness”.
The Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire was announced in the early hours of Wednesday, ahead of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to agree to a deal.
“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY,” Sharif said on X.
However, Israel insisted that the deal does not cover Lebanon, proceeding to attack the south and capital, Beirut, following the announcement.
“Both parties have displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability,” Sharif said.
Trump had issued a threat on Truth Social on Tuesday, saying that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” before agreeing to the ceasefire.
“I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided ceasefire! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all military objectives,” Trump said in a statement on Wednesday.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian separately said that the ceasefire “was the fruit of the blood” of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who the U.S. and Israel killed during the beginning of the war on 28 February.
آتشبس با پذیرش اصول کلی مورد نظر ایران، ثمره خون رهبر شهیدمان خامنهای بزرگ و دستاورد حضور همه مردم در صحنه بود. از امروز نیز همچنان کنار هم خواهیم ماند. چه در میدان دیپلماسی، چه در میدان دفاع، چه در صحنه خیابان و چه در عرصه خدمترسانی.#باهم_بودنمان_پیروزی_است
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 8, 2026
“From today onward, we will also remain together. Whether in the field of diplomacy, whether in the field of defense, whether on the street scene, and whether in the arena of service provision,” he said on X.
Pakistan has assumed a pivotal role since the war broke out, holding talks with officials globally in an effort to reach a deal. Two days of discussions took place in Islamabad in late March between foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye.
Then, on 31 March, China and Pakistan announced a five-point initiative aimed at restoring “peace and stability” in the Middle East.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are due to take place in Islamabad on Friday, “to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”, according to Sharif.
“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!” he said.
