Capitals, June 15 (SANA)Arab states andthe Arab Leagueon Monday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States andIran, describing the deal as a crucial step toward regional stability and the restoration of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, called the agreement a significant move to put an end to Iranian and Israeli attacks on Arab territories, saying it creates the necessary conditions to end the war and achieve lasting stability. He praised the diplomatic efforts of Arab, regional and international parties that helped broker the understanding and expressed hope that upcoming negotiations would pave the way for peaceful solutions to outstanding issues.

Saudi Arabia‘s Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of restoring security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to the conditions that existed before Feb. 28. The kingdom expressed hope that the agreement would lead to lasting peace that enhances regional and international security, respects the sovereignty of states and upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

Kuwaitreiterated its support for efforts aimed at resolving disputes and conflicts through peaceful means in line with international law and the United Nations Charter. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry said the agreement represents an important step toward addressing outstanding issues through sustainable solutions and called on all parties to engage constructively in upcoming negotiations.

Egyptdescribed the accord as a highly significant development and a major turning point toward strengthening mutual trust and advancing diplomatic efforts to address regional issues. Cairo reaffirmed its support for peaceful solutions and dialogue as the best path to achieving peace and stability.

The reactions followed the announcement of an initial understanding between Washington and Tehran earlier Monday. The agreement includes a halt to military operations and opens the way for a new round of negotiations in Switzerland on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions.

U.S. PresidentDonald Trumplater said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and that the United States would lift its naval blockade on Iran, following an earlier announcement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Washington and Tehran had reached a ceasefire agreement.