EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — The Group of Seven industrialized nations summit began Monday in the eastern French town of Evian-les-Bains, bringing together leaders from the United States, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump upon his arrival. The discussions centered on the recently reached memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.
“This is an important step toward peace,” Macron said at the start of the meeting, according to a statement from the French presidency.
Trump said the memorandum does not involve any sanction relief on Iran. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route that has been a point of contention, Trump stated the strait “is going to be open. And it’s toll-free. There’s no argument on that.”
The summit agenda includes discussions on the Middle East situation, the Ukraine conflict, balanced and sustainable economic growth, and artificial intelligence. Leaders from Brazil, South Korea, Egypt, India, Kenya, and Ukraine have been invited to participate in select sessions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to attend discussions on the Ukraine situation on Tuesday. The three-day summit concludes on Wednesday.
Macron offered French assistance, including helping to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage. Trump responded that the United States does not expect to need much help, though he called France’s offer “not a bad idea.”
Vice President JD Vance is expected to attend the signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva, where the formal agreement between the United States and Iran is set to be finalized.