G7 Supports US-Iran Agreement, Calls for Free Navigation in Hormuz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, EU Council President António Costa, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attend a working dinner at the G7 summit in Évian, France on June 15. [Photo=UPI·Yonhap]

The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations expressed support for the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU), emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to ensure free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They also indicated plans to expand sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine and voiced opposition to actions by China and North Korea that escalate tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a joint statement released on June 17 during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, the leaders described the U.S.-Iran agreement as a "historic opportunity" to address security threats stemming from Iran's nuclear ambitions and its regional activities, including its ballistic missile program.

They pledged to support follow-up diplomatic agreements aimed at fostering peace and security in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to reduce threats from Iran and prevent its acquisition of nuclear weapons.

Regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the G7 reaffirmed that "free passage of vessels without restrictions or tolls is fundamental to international trade." They also agreed to broaden energy supply chains and increase reserves to reduce global dependence on Hormuz.

On Middle Eastern issues, the leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the control of weapons by the Lebanese government. They also urged for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to violence in the West Bank.

The G7 reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, deciding to enhance the provision of air defense systems, intercept missiles, and long-range weapons to support Ukraine's freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They also committed to assisting Ukraine in the energy sector to help it endure the upcoming winter.

To weaken Russia's capacity to continue the war, the G7 leaders stated they would increase pressure and expand sanctions, including in the oil and gas sectors. They noted that with President Trump having facilitated the reopening of Hormuz, now is an appropriate time to pursue additional measures against Russia.

On Indo-Pacific matters, the G7 targeted China, emphasizing the importance of a "free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law" and opposing attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait.

The G7 also expressed deep concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, calling for complete denuclearization in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and immediate resolution of abduction issues. They agreed to jointly respond to cryptocurrency theft and cybercrime.

This joint statement reflects the G7's approach to addressing Middle Eastern stability, the war in Ukraine, and security issues in the Indo-Pacific following the U.S.-Iran agreement. However, most of the messages directed at Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea reaffirm existing principles, suggesting that the effectiveness of subsequent actions will depend on the commitment of each country.

* This article has been translated by AI.