22/04/2026
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22/04/2026
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LONDON / TEHRAN, Apr 22: Britain has welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling for a swift return to negotiations and a long-term diplomatic settlement to ease regional tensions.
Speaking on Wednesday, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said London supports the continuation of the truce and stressed the importance of restoring stability in global energy routes. “The UK welcomes the ceasefire extension. We want to see negotiations restart, a comprehensive settlement and full reopening of the Strait without restrictions or tolls,” she said.
Cooper warned that any renewed conflict would have far-reaching consequences, not only for the Middle East but also for the global economy, potentially driving up energy prices and worsening the cost-of-living pressures worldwide.
The comments come amid ongoing concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments that has been at the center of recent tensions.
Meanwhile, Iran signaled cautious openness to diplomacy but stopped short of committing to fresh talks. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, acknowledged the ceasefire extension in remarks carried by state television.
Baghaei said diplomacy remains a key tool for safeguarding Iran’s national interests but indicated that any decision to re-enter negotiations would depend on favorable conditions. “Whenever we reach the conclusion that the necessary and reasonable conditions exist… we will take action,” he said.
However, he did not confirm whether Tehran would participate in a proposed new round of talks with Washington, reportedly planned in Islamabad.
The ceasefire extension has offered temporary relief after weeks of heightened tensions, but uncertainty remains over whether both sides can translate the pause into a lasting diplomatic breakthrough.
