Arab states have broadly welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and the US, framing it as a first step towards de-escalation while urging a permanent end to the war.
The two-week truce, announced early on Wednesday, has drawn cautious support from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, many of which have been directly impacted by Iranian missile and drone attacks in recent weeks. GCC countries Saudi Arabia said it "welcomes" the ceasefire and called for an end to attacks across the region, as well as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a "comprehensive and sustainable" resolution.
Kuwait, one of the countries most affected by the escalation, also backed the deal and urged all parties to adhere to it as a step towards a "comprehensive and permanent settlement".
Qatar described the truce as an "initial step toward de-escalation", stressing the need for full compliance and warning against further escalation. It also highlighted the importance of protecting maritime routes and global trade, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash struck a more assertive tone, saying his country had "prevailed" in a war it sought to avoid, pointing to its defence capabilities and positioning the Gulf state as better placed to navigate the region's evolving landscape.
Oman, which has long played a mediating role in regional conflicts, welcomed the ceasefire and called for intensified efforts to reach a permanent resolution. MENA states Beyond the Gulf, countries across the region echoed similar calls for diplomacy.
Egypt described the truce as a "very important opportunity" to prioritise negotiations and called for a full halt to military operations, alongside respect for freedom of navigation.
Iraq, which has been drawn into the conflict through exchanges involving Tehran-aligned groups and US forces, welcomed the ceasefire but stressed the need for "serious and sustainable dialogue" to address underlying tensions.
Turkey also backed the agreement and said it would support upcoming talks, urging all parties to fully implement the ceasefire on the ground. Sudan described the move as a "positive step" towards de-escalation and regional stability.
In Lebanon, however, the response has been shaped by uncertainty over whether the ceasefire applies to the war between Israel and Hezbollah.
President Joseph Aoun welcomed the deal but said Beirut was working to ensure Lebanon is included in any regional settlement. Hezbollah officials have meanwhile suggested the agreement should cover Lebanon, warning of a response if Israel does not adhere to a ceasefire.
Israeli strikes have continued to hit Lebanon despite the truce, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding its scope.
Elsewhere, Palestinian group Hamas framed the ceasefire in broader geopolitical terms. Senior official Bassem Naim described it as a "significant step" in reducing US influence in the region.