NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the US-Iran agreement to conclude the Middle East conflict, noting that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would mark significant progress. He indicated that several allies, through efforts coordinated by France and the United Kingdom, stand prepared to offer support, according to remarks made during a Brussels press conference. G7 leaders characterized the US-Iran accord as a historic opportunity and breakthrough in their joint statement. The document, endorsed by the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada, expressed support for the deal reached under President Trump’s leadership with assistance from mediating nations. It aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to address concerns over its regional and missile activities, while expressing readiness to aid implementation. The statement also highlighted a UK and France-led initiative to restore maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, though additional talks are required to manage ongoing regional threats from Iran. On the final day of the G7 summit in France, leaders met and issued a call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon to back Lebanese authorities in disarming Hezbollah, securing a monopoly on arms and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty with international guarantees. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the US-Iran memorandum a potential gamechanger that could also influence approaches to other conflicts such as Ukraine. He noted the reported terms include lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, describing the outline as exceeding expectations though full details remain undisclosed. Iran’s military warned of a strong response unless Israeli operations in southern Lebanon cease, accusing Israel of multiple ceasefire violations. Lebanese authorities reported Israeli strikes on Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Ansariyeh. Iran’s foreign minister stated that Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese areas is necessary for any lasting peace. Former President Trump criticized prolonged Israeli operations against Hezbollah, warning of excessive civilian casualties. The US-Iran agreement is scheduled for signing at a secure Swiss resort near Lucerne.
