G7 summit agenda: Ukraine, Iran, and AI on the table

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations are convening in the French lakeside resort of Évian-les-Bains to tackle pressing global issues. The summit's agenda includes ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, threats to financial stability from global economic imbalances, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

The G7, an informal alliance comprising the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, has served as a forum for discussing international crises for half a century. Founded after the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, its member states collectively hold nearly half of the world's GDP. The group's scope expanded beyond economic issues in the 1980s to include political matters. This year's summit also includes invited leaders from India, South Korea, Kenya, and Brazil.

A primary focus will be demonstrating continued unity in support of Ukraine, now in its fifth year of conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend to discuss face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, seeking a more prominent European role in peace negotiations amidst concerns about U.S. distraction by the Iran conflict. European G7 members aim to convince the U.S. that Europe is increasingly shouldering the burden of supporting Ukraine.

Discussions will also center on the recent framework agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end their war. G7 leaders will seek details on the accord, particularly regarding the swift reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated the strait would reopen by Friday and that he had ordered the end of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.