AU Commission Chairperson Youssouf commended the diplomatic efforts of Oman, Turkey and Egypt, whose mediation helped secure the agreement…reports Newsdesk
The African Union Commission has welcomed the announcement of an immediate ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant step towards de-escalation and urging all parties to sustain dialogue towards a comprehensive peace.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the ceasefire, announced by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, reflected commendable leadership and a shared commitment to reducing tensions. He noted the development aligned with the AU’s consistent calls for restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Youssouf commended the diplomatic efforts of Oman, Turkey and Egypt, whose mediation helped secure the agreement.
The Chairperson stressed that the conflict had consequences well beyond its immediate parties. “The repercussions have been felt globally, including across Africa, where disruptions to fuel supplies have driven inflation and increased the cost of basic commodities,” he said.
He described the ceasefire as a critical opportunity to ease the suffering of populations affected both directly and indirectly by the conflict, but warned that the gains remained fragile. “Sustained dialogue and inclusive diplomacy will be essential to consolidating these gains,” he said.
Youssouf expressed full support for the Islamabad Talks and called on all parties to maintain momentum. He reaffirmed that diplomacy and dialogue, in line with the United Nations Charter, remain the only viable path to resolving international crises.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump has stepped back from the brink of a major military escalation with Iran, announcing a conditional two-week pause in planned attacks tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a development that came as a big relief to people across the world.
The decision came 90 minutes before the self-imposed 8 p.m. EST deadline set by Trump for Iran to reach a deal, after backchannel diplomacy involving Pakistan.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday (local time), said he would “suspend” an escalation of attacks for two weeks if Iran agrees to open the key shipping route.
In a social media post, he said talks with Pakistan led to what he called a “double-sided ceasefire.”
“The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran, and peace in the Middle East,” Trump wrote.
He added that the United States had received “a 10-point proposal from Iran” that was “a workable basis on which to negotiate.”
Trump said “almost all of the various points of past contention” had been agreed, and the two-week pause would allow the agreement “to be finalised and consummated.”
The ceasefire is conditional. Trump said it depends on Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iran signalled tentative acceptance. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would halt operations if attacks stop.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations,” he said.
“For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” he added.
