G7 opens with interim Iran deal and Ukraine push at Evian

Donald Trump arrived at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Monday evening and announced that a framework agreement with Iran had been reached, with formal signing set for Friday in Geneva. He stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open starting then and described the accord as including strong verification measures to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Oil prices fell sharply while stock markets rose in response to the reduced tensions.

The preliminary understanding opens a 60-day period for technical negotiations on Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the removal of sanctions. Trump said the main objective had been achieved because Iran would not obtain nuclear arms under the terms. European leaders at the summit, including French President Emmanuel Macron, stressed the need for a solid and final agreement rather than an interim arrangement that could leave key issues unresolved.

G7 discussions also covered reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with proposals for a possible maritime mission involving France and Britain to secure shipping lanes. Alternative energy routes bypassing the waterway were identified as priorities. Leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt joined parts of the talks but did not participate in detailed nuclear discussions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced his government from the negotiations and made clear that Israel would retain control of territory it occupies in Lebanon. Analysts noted that initial Israeli war aims, including regime change in Tehran and full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, had not been met.

On Ukraine, Trump met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in a one-on-one session arranged at Macron's suggestion. Trump urged Russia to reach a settlement, observing that both sides had suffered heavy losses. European participants pressed for continued support aligned with Ukrainian conditions, though Trump focused on ending the conflict through direct talks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented Trump with a customized Germany World Cup jersey bearing the name Trump and the number 47. The gesture occurred during a working session attended by other G7 heads of government. Relations among the leaders had featured earlier disagreements over tariffs, defense spending, and Middle East policy, yet the summit proceeded with standard diplomatic exchanges.

The agreement's details remain subject to further verification, and Iranian officials have indicated differing internal views on its long-term implications. Markets have already priced in lower energy costs, consistent with reduced risks to global supply routes. Technical talks led by Vice President JD Vance are scheduled to begin later this week.