Iran and US reach an initial deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States and Iran have reached an initial agreement that would extend their shaky ceasefire and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But significant challenges remain to ending the war, including whether Israel will continue its offensive in Lebanon. Details of the deal were not immediately released, but it appeared that it would not be implemented until it is signed. Mediator Pakistan said that would happen Friday in Geneva. Even if the strait fully opens then, it will likely take months for the global energy crisis sparked by its closure to ease. Israel’s defense minister said Monday that the country wouldn’t withdraw from land seized in Lebanon.