World leaders have descended on a French spa town for a high-stakes Group of Seven summit, arriving with fresh momentum after President Donald Trump announced an agreement he says will bring an end to the U.S. war against Iran.
Trump touched down in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Monday to begin talks with fellow G7 leaders — some of whom have been openly critical of how he handled the roughly 15-week conflict, which has sent global energy prices surging.
Tensions have been running high between Trump and the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy over his decision to go to war without consulting them. Trump has threatened to pull back U.S. troops stationed in all four countries — all NATO members — as a consequence of their lack of support.
The G7 consists of France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Several guest nations are also participating in this summit, including Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya, South Korea, Qatar, Syria, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.
Macron Tells Trump French Forces Are Ready to Move Into Strait of Hormuz
During a face-to-face meeting with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron said France could send fighter jets as early as Tuesday to conduct observation flights over the strategically critical waterway. He noted that France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, already positioned in the Middle East, could also be deployed rapidly.
The offer is part of a broader push by France and other G7 allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible to restore the free flow of energy to world markets, following the tentative U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
“Within 48 hours, frigates could also be deployed. And within two to three days, the aircraft carrier,” Macron said.
Trump responded by saying, “I don’t think we’re gonna need much help” because the strait is “going to be open.” He added, “But I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have a ship or two up here from a few countries. You’d be a great country to do it,” directing the comment at Macron.
Trump’s Schedule Includes Leader Greetings and Working Dinner
Following his one-on-one meeting with Macron, Trump was set to take part in a formal welcome with the other G7 leaders before heading to a working dinner at 7:30 p.m. local time — the final item on his public agenda for Monday.
Trump Uncertain Whether He’ll Attend Iran Deal Signing
When asked whether he would be present at Friday’s formal signing ceremony for the Iran agreement, Trump said he wasn’t sure. “Well, it depends,” he said during a joint appearance with Macron. “I may be involved. I may not.”
Trump mentioned that Vice President JD Vance had originally been slated to attend: “JD was coming in for that.”
While expressing optimism about the deal, Trump tempered expectations. “Hopefully we get along,” he said. “If we don’t, we go back to where we started.”
Trump Touts Iran Deal, Points to Oil Prices and Stock Market
Speaking alongside Macron at the G7, Trump spoke enthusiastically about the agreement reached with Iran. “I think a lot of great things are going to happen in the Middle East right now, and very importantly the oil is plummeting down and the stock market is shooting up like a rocket today,” he said.
Trump also said he “felt badly that we had to go back on the attack for two nights” and expressed hope for a constructive relationship going forward. He arrived at the summit fresh off celebrating his 80th birthday at a UFC event held at the White House on Sunday.
Anti-G7 Protesters Accuse Police of Provocation
Organizers of Sunday’s “No G7” demonstration are demanding an apology from Geneva security and judicial officials after police deployed tear gas and water cannons against stone-throwing protesters.
Organizers said police surrounded roughly 300 people overnight — including minors, tourists, and bystanders. In a statement Monday, they declared the protest a success: “The No G7 demonstration of June 14 surpassed all our expectations,” adding that “30,000 took part despite the climate of anxiety created by the Geneva State Council (and sometimes by the media).”
Law enforcement put the crowd at 20,000, including approximately 600 so-called “black bloc” militants.
Geneva Police Detail Their Response to Protests
Geneva police brought more than two dozen individuals to police stations and made three arrests related to violence during Sunday’s anti-G7 march. Geneva police chief Monica Bonfanti said officers checked the identities of nearly 550 people and used tear gas and water cannons in response to stone-throwing youth.
Three people were arrested — two for firing pyrotechnic devices and one for damaging a police vehicle — and were later released, Bonfanti said. She noted that “black bloc” tactics made identity checks difficult, as some militants blended in with peaceful protesters and changed their clothing mid-demonstration.
U.S. Military: Iran Blockade Remains in Place
The U.S. military issued an advisory to merchant vessels Monday stating that the blockade of shipping to Iranian ports will remain active “pending execution” of the ceasefire deal set for Friday. “Do not attempt to cross until explicit direction is given,” the notice read.
Ship captains were urged to consider the safety of their crews and avoid sailing to or from Iranian ports until further guidance is issued. The advisory also warned that failure to comply with instructions from those enforcing the blockade “may result in rapid escalation to disabling or destructive fire.”
Ambassador Charles Kushner on Hand to Welcome Trump
Ambassador Charles Kushner, Trump’s top envoy to France and the father of Trump’s son-in-law, was present to greet the president when Marine One touched down in Evian-les-Bains. Kushner, a real estate developer, holds the prestigious diplomatic post. His son, Jared Kushner, is serving as an envoy in the Iran negotiations and is also involved in efforts to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Vance: Iran Deal Already Signed Digitally
Vice President JD Vance revealed that an interim agreement to end the conflict in Iran was electronically signed on Sunday, ahead of a formal ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva. “We already signed the deal digitally yesterday, and there’s been no money released, and that won’t change,” Vance said on “Good Morning America.” “Again, this is a performance-based thing.”
Some critics and Iranian media reports have suggested that Iranian assets would be released upon signing, but Vance pushed back. “We’ll be releasing the text this week, and what everybody will see is that Iran doesn’t get a dime of money unless they perform their obligations,” he said.
Vance Outlines Expectations for the Deal
In a Monday appearance on CNBC, Vance said the White House hopes to release the full text of the agreement this week. “I think when people see this deal — we hope to release the text this week — they’re going to realize that this is going to make the whole region safer,” he said.
Vance said the expectation is that the Strait of Hormuz will be “opened in a toll free way for the long term,” though he acknowledged that many details still need to be worked out during a 60-day technical talks period — including how Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium will be handled. He also signaled a willingness to ease economic sanctions on Iran, but said doing so would “require a long-term commitment” to nuclear inspections and verification.
Macron Pushes for Continued U.S. Support of Ukraine
The French president said he plans to press Trump to maintain support for Ukraine and step up pressure on Russia to bring about a peace agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to join the summit Tuesday for discussions.
In an interview with French broadcaster TF1, Macron said he wants the United States to declare: “We are with you, we will continue to support Ukraine, and we will increase the pressure on Russia to achieve a meaningful negotiation.” He added, “The right negotiation is one in which Ukraine and Russia are at the table, but with Europeans and Americans present as well.”
Macron Stands Firm Against Trump Tariff Threats
Macron said he will not yield to Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on French wines unless France eliminates its digital tax on American technology companies. Speaking on TF1, Macron said the tax was a European decision and that it is not “for the United States to decide what European or French law should be.” He said his position will not change “as long as I am here.”
Wines and spirits from the European Union currently face a 15% tariff when exported to the U.S. Macron said he intends to handle the dispute in a “respectful but firm” manner during the summit, emphasizing the importance of coordination among major democracies.
G7 European Leaders Call Iran Deal a ‘Diplomatic Breakthrough’
Ahead of their summit meeting, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom — along with Canada — issued a joint statement praising the U.S.-Iran agreement as a “diplomatic breakthrough.” The leaders called for swift implementation of the deal so that the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened to tanker traffic, and said they are prepared to contribute, including through possible mine-clearing operations.
Japan to Join G7 European Statement on Iran Deal
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that Japan will join a joint statement from the G7’s European members calling for swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear program. Takaichi said Japan was asked to participate and agreed, though she did not specify what contribution Japan might make. She said she plans to use the summit to discuss ways to achieve broader peace and stability in the Middle East.
Nearly 13,800 Security Personnel Deployed for Summit
Macron stopped by a security operations center Monday morning to thank officers for their work protecting the summit. He described the three-day gathering as “a big source of pride for France, a big responsibility” and said nearly 13,800 officers — including police, gendarmes, firefighters, and health workers — have been deployed for the event. “Only your collective mobilization makes this possible,” he told them.
Trump Announces July 4 Rally in Washington
Even while traveling to France, Trump shared plans for a major celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. “On July 4th, at The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, in beautiful and safe Washington D.C., we are going to host the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a ‘TRIBUTE TO AMERICA,’” Trump posted on social media from Air Force One.
Trump said the event will feature military flyovers, a personally selected music playlist, and “the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY.” He had previously announced plans to headline “The Great American State Fair” on June 24 as part of the America 250 celebration.
Brazil’s Lula First Leader to Arrive at Summit Hotel
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was the first foreign leader to arrive Monday at the Hotel Royal in Evian-les-Bains, a five-star property overlooking Lake Geneva and the foothills of the Alps. Brazil is among the guest nations — along with Egypt, Kenya, India, and South Korea — invited to participate in select discussions alongside the G7 members.
Brazil and WHO Chief Call for Stronger Pandemic Protections
Brazilian President Lula and the head of the United Nations health agency are jointly urging world leaders to strengthen an accord adopted last year aimed at preventing future pandemics like COVID-19. In a joint statement, they wrote: “Humanity promised itself, in the rawness of that grief, that it would not face such a day again unprepared.” They called on G7 leaders and other world leaders to “instruct your negotiators to come to the July session ready to conclude” a key annex to the agreement, which has stalled over disputes about sharing disease-causing pathogens and access to vaccines.
