Trump defends preliminary Iran deal at G7 summit focused on pressuring Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump defended a preliminary nuclear understanding with Iran during a G7 summit in France, a move that surprised observers given his administration's previous withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. The summit also saw G7 leaders agree on increasing pressure against Russia.

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The only thing that really matters to me is that Iran never has a nuclear weapon, and that is made clear and unequivocal.

Speaking at the summit in Evian, Trump emphasized that his primary concern is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He stated that the new understanding, a 14-point memorandum of understanding expected to be signed soon, would serve as a "wall" against nuclear proliferation, contrasting it with the previous deal he characterized as a "pathway" to nuclear weapons. The U.S. vice president, JD Vance, is expected to attend the signing, with Trump potentially present as well.

Iranian officials indicated that new talks could commence as early as Friday to finalize a comprehensive agreement. The provisional deal creates a 60-day window for technical discussions covering Iran's enriched uranium, international inspections, sanctions relief, and assurances against military nuclear ambitions. The agreement also aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy route.

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This agreement is a wall against nuclear weapons. His agreement was a path to nuclear weapons. With my agreement, they will not be able to have nuclear weapons; we will blow them up.

Trump also signaled a shift in U.S. policy by distancing himself from Israel's offensive operations in Lebanon. This stance marks a notable departure from the strong alignment previously shown by the U.S. towards Israel under his administration. The U.S. also stated it would not invest in Iran's reconstruction.

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Probably on Friday, in a location yet to be determined, a new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States will begin.