G7 Summit Tests Trump Ties With Allies Over Iran, Ukraine

World leaders arrive in Evian-les-Bains, France, this week facing immediate pressure to coordinate on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the war in Ukraine, and easing energy price shocks that have raised global transportation and food costs. The three-day G7 meeting opens Monday after President Trump announced a memorandum of understanding with Iran on Sunday that would lift the U.S. naval blockade once mines are cleared and verifiable nuclear steps are taken. European governments adjusted the summit schedule by one day and added a private dinner at Versailles to keep Trump engaged through the sessions on Ukraine and the economy.

Trump is scheduled for bilateral meetings with the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and India, plus a working lunch that includes Middle East representatives. He will join G7 colleagues and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a Tuesday session on Ukraine but has no formal one-on-one meeting set with Zelenskyy. Administration officials told reporters the United States wants the Ukraine war ended as quickly as possible and will press G7 partners to help clear the strait once Iran reopens it without tolls.

Trade imbalances, critical minerals supply chains, artificial intelligence regulation, and illegal immigration also appear on the formal agenda. NATO members in Europe and Canada raised defense spending 20 percent in 2025 after the alliance lifted its minimum target to 5 percent of GDP last year. Several G7 leaders have publicly questioned the scale of U.S. military action against Iran and the absence of prior consultation, while Trump has criticized their limited support for the operation and their positions on tariffs.

Macron invited OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and other technology executives to discuss AI infrastructure and export controls on rare earth minerals dominated by China. South Africa was removed from the guest list in March; French and U.S. statements attributed the decision to a streamlined invitation process rather than external pressure. The summit concludes Wednesday without a joint statement guaranteed on any major item.