U.S. President Donald Trump is set to discuss plans to demine the Strait of Hormuz with G7 allies during next week's summit in France, as mediators signal progress toward ending the Iran war. Britain and France, both G7 members, have expressed interest in assisting with demining the critical waterway once the conflict pauses.
Key Meetings and Regional Support
Trump is also expected to meet on the sidelines with leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss winding down the war. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a deal to end the conflict is closer than ever, with an electronic signing expected within 24 hours. Sharif thanked the U.S. and Iran for their commitment and praised regional allies for their support.
“We would like to thank United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran for their ongoing commitment during the negotiations,” Sharif stated.
Cautious Optimism from Iran
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, noted that while the deal won’t happen immediately, it could materialize in the coming days. He emphasized that the Islamabad memorandum focuses on ending the war and excludes discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
Regional Impact and Ceasefire
The conflict has disrupted oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route. A U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and Iran’s grip on the strait have heightened tensions. A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7, with hopes that the new agreement will bring lasting stability.