G7 Summit Focuses on US-Iran Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening

EVIRAN-LES-BAINS, France — French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday’s lunch summit would focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as G7 leaders gather in France with the US-Iran agreement and the Russian war on Ukraine high on the agenda.

US President Donald Trump is expected to be urged to quickly finalise the agreement to end the conflict in the Middle East, according to reports. Macron, who is hosting the summit in Evian-les-Bains near the Swiss border, said the priority was to ensure that there is a “solid, serious agreement that is finalised.”

The working lunch on Tuesday will focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including a possible Franco-British-led maritime mission, and on identifying alternative energy routes that bypass the waterway, Macron said.

Trump has said the Strait of Hormuz would be “completely open” on Friday, when a formal agreement is expected to be signed in Geneva. The agreement, which was digitally signed on Monday, is expected to open a 60-day window for complex negotiations, including discussions on Iran’s highly enriched uranium and the lifting of sanctions.

Iran has confirmed it reached a deal with the US to end fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Trump announced an end to Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports and said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on Friday when the agreement is signed in Switzerland.

“The Iran deal will bring a lot of success,” Trump said shortly after arriving in Evian-les-Bains on Monday evening.

The G7 comprises the US, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the European Union. Leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt will also attend Tuesday’s talks but are not expected to engage in detailed discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, diplomats told the Reuters news agency.

Key Details

  • The US and Iran have agreed to extend their ceasefire by around two months, according to a senior Iranian official and a G7 official.
  • The US will lift its blockade of Iranian ports as part of the agreement.
  • The interim peace deal will see further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
  • The signing may take place in Geneva, Switzerland, as soon as Sunday, according to people familiar with the plans.
  • Trump indicated that Vice President J.D. Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff would represent him at any signing.

Reactions

Lebanese remain sceptical despite the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, with video footage showing mixed reactions in the region. The deal has been welcomed by some world leaders, but there are lingering concerns about the details and implementation.

Trump claims the agreement will avert further economic crisis, a statement that has been met with cautious optimism from some quarters and scepticism from others.

Looking Ahead

The G7 summit continues through June 17, with leaders expected to discuss a range of global issues, including the Russian war on Ukraine. The potential signing of the US-Iran agreement on the sidelines of the summit marks a significant diplomatic development, though questions remain about the long-term stability of the region.