Pedro Sanchez has called for ‘lasting peace’ after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran – but said the US does not deserve applause.

The world was on tenterhooks overnight after the US president threatened to destroy ‘a whole civilisation’ unless Tehran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz by 1am European time.

The warning was widely seen as a thinly-veiled threat of nuclear weapons use, prompting leaders around the world to demand a ceasefire and a cooling of tensions.

Shortly before the ultimatum deadline, Trump announced that he had received a 10-point peace plan from Iran that he would agree to use as a base to start negotiations.

In Spain, prime minister Sanchez said in a post on X that ceasefires ‘are always good news, especially if they lead to a just and lasting peace.’

He added: ‘But this momentary relief cannot make us forget the chaos, the destruction, and the lives lost.

‘The Government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.

‘What’s needed now: diplomacy, international legality, and PEACE.’

On Tuesday morning, Trump had written on Truth Social: ‘A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.’

According to reports, American B-52 bombers were en route to Iran before the ceasefire agreement was announced.

But around 90 minutes before his ultimatum deadline, he wrote that ‘subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.’

Following the announcement, the US stock market steadied as the price of oil fell below $100 for the first time in days, suggesting there is a hope that the worst of the crisis is over.