US President Donald Trump and other world leaders are meeting in Evian-les-Bains, France, for a three-day G7 summit dominated by discussions on the Iran war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, alongside wider Middle East tensions.
Trump held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said European forces are ready to deploy in the Strait of Hormuz as part of efforts to ensure the swift reopening of the vital waterway for global energy flows.
An initial US-Iran understanding to extend a fragile ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz was also discussed, although key challenges remain, including Israel’s ongoing military actions in the region. Trump described the prospects as positive, saying, “great things are going to happen.”
G7 leaders also held a working lunch with Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates under the theme “Addressing Crises and Ensuring Stability in the Middle East.” The invited Middle Eastern states are not G7 members but were included due to escalating regional tensions.
On the sidelines, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Trump, with both leaders sharing images of the meeting on social media. Zelenskyy said “it is always important to coordinate positions.” Ukrainian and US officials also attended the talks, while Zelenskyy’s adviser indicated further discussions may follow.
The Kremlin confirmed that no formal invitation was received for Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend any talks with Zelenskyy at the summit. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “Of course there wasn’t. As you know, there aren’t even any official channels between Moscow and Kyiv.” He added that Putin had previously suggested Zelenskyy could visit Moscow.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after meeting Trump that the ceasefire should lead to a “definitive end to Iran’s nuclear programme” and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, adding, “And that’s how diplomacy delivers.”
G7 leaders also agreed to increase pressure on Russia through further sanctions targeting its energy sector, according to a French diplomat. Support for Ukraine was reaffirmed, including additional air defence assistance.
Trump separately suggested Syria could play a role in addressing Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying, “I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah,” adding, “Because to be honest with you, I think they’d do a better job.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain is ready to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and will “play our full part,” while stopping short of confirming deployment details.
Trump also dismissed reports of a $300bn reconstruction fund for Iran as a “rumor,” saying, “The US is not investing any money in Iran.”
