G7 Leaders Back Tentative U.S.-Iran Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Leaders at the Group of Seven summit endorsed a tentative agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire. The endorsement came in a declaration issued overnight during the summit.

According to leaked copies of an interim agreement, Iran would take immediate steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once the deal is signed and would regain the ability to sell oil without restrictions. The accord would require the U.S. to work toward ending American and United Nations sanctions on Tehran if a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program is reached.

The formal signing is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. U.S. officials stated the leaked text broadly matches the document under discussion. Neither the White House nor Iran has released the full text of the agreement.

U.S. officials noted the deal still requires support within the country. The agreement also calls for an immediate end to fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. G7 leaders expressed support for Lebanese efforts to disarm Hezbollah and protect Lebanon's territorial integrity.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed nearly 4,000 people, including hundreds of civilians, and displaced more than 1 million since fighting began on March 2. Before the current conflict, a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

G7 leaders also stressed support for Ukraine and agreed to increase deliveries of air defense systems while bolstering sanctions on Russia. They pledged to step up efforts against international drug trafficking and reaffirmed commitments to halt migrant smuggling and human trafficking.