Qatar welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, urges swift de-escalation

Qatar welcomed on Wednesday a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran as "an initial step toward de-escalation," and called for swift action to prevent further regional tensions.

In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed appreciation for Pakistan's mediation efforts, particularly those led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, as well as other parties who helped secure the ceasefire.

It stressed the importance of full compliance with the ceasefire "to sustain calm and create conditions for dialogue." It also urged Iran "to immediately halt all hostile actions and practices that undermine regional stability and to respect the sovereignty of states to prevent further violations."

The ministry emphasized the need to ensure the security of maritime routes and the freedom of navigation and international trade in accordance with international law, noting their importance for regional stability and global supply chains.

US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran Tuesday, saying Tehran presented a "workable" 10-point proposal for negotiations.

The announcement came less than two hours before the expiration of a deadline Trump had repeatedly extended for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face "the destruction of an entire civilization."

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the 10-point proposal delivered to the United States through Pakistani mediation includes a key US commitment to non-aggression, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of uranium enrichment, and the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions.

The proposal also includes paying compensation to Iran, withdrawing US combat forces from the region, and ending the war on all fronts, including the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.