G7 leaders meet in France after US, Iran declare agreement to end ongoing war

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations convened Monday at a French lakeside resort, with the recent preliminary deal between the US and Iran to end their war topping the agenda. The summit, running from June 15-17, will also address the conflict in Ukraine, global economic disparities, and strategies to diversify the sourcing of critical minerals away from China's dominance.

US President Donald Trump's arrival in Evian-les-Bains marks a crucial moment, particularly after his abrupt departure from the previous year's summit. French officials expressed relief at securing his presence, acknowledging that many G7 leaders have been unsettled by Trump's unpredictable foreign policy decisions, which have previously disrupted the Middle East, global trade, and diplomatic relations, raising questions about the US commitment to the established international order.

Trump is scheduled to meet with Middle Eastern leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the summit. Zelensky's participation comes as Russian advances in Ukraine have slowed, and Kyiv seeks continued military and financial support from its allies. While Zelensky's position has improved since past interactions with Trump, securing further US backing may prove challenging as the US president prioritizes concluding the Iran conflict, which has impacted his domestic approval ratings.

Details of the US-Iran deal, set to be formally signed on Friday in Switzerland, are eagerly awaited by G7 leaders. Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas shipping route previously disrupted by Iran, would reopen on Friday, and that the US blockade of Iranian ports would end. Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretariat stated that hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, would cease permanently starting Monday night. Sources indicate that a broader agreement, potentially including sanctions relief for Iran and addressing its nuclear program, will be negotiated during a subsequent 60-day ceasefire period.