G7 opens with interim Iran deal and Ukraine push at Evian

World leaders arrived in Evian-les-Bains facing an interim U.S.-Iran agreement that reopened questions about nuclear controls and energy routes while European allies sought firmer terms. The June 15-17 gathering placed the Strait of Hormuz and Ukraine negotiations at the center of discussions.

A preliminary accord reached between Washington and Tehran set a formal signing for Friday in Geneva and opened a 60-day period for technical talks on highly enriched uranium and sanctions relief. President Trump stated upon arrival that the deal was all signed and that the strait would be completely open from Friday. French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters the priority remained a solid, serious agreement that is finalised.

European officials expressed concern that the interim text could leave Iran's ballistic missile program unaddressed and allow an inexperienced negotiating team to settle for weaker verification. France, Britain and Germany, which had led earlier nuclear diplomacy, asked for a seat in the next phase. Macron said Tuesday's working lunch would examine a possible Franco-British maritime mission to secure the strait and alternative energy corridors.

On Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters that Kyiv was holding the front line, regaining some territory and producing advanced weapons while Russia's war economy faced mounting strain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the opening session on building peace in Ukraine and later met President Trump one-on-one after French President Macron helped arrange the bilateral. Trump said both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared open to a deal and urged Russia to negotiate given heavy losses on both sides.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented Trump with a Germany World Cup jersey bearing the name Trump and the number 47 during the morning session. The summit schedule had been shifted one day to accommodate Trump's birthday. Leaders from the UAE, Qatar and Egypt joined parts of the Iran discussion but were not expected to address nuclear details.

The G7 statement welcomed the diplomatic breakthrough yet stressed the need for rapid follow-on negotiations and swift reopening of tanker traffic through the strait. No final communique on either file was issued on the first full day.