EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in the French Alps on Monday after announcing a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran, a development that could reshape discussions among world leaders gathered for the summit.
The agreement, which is yet to be formally signed, follows weeks of negotiations between Washington and Tehran and comes amid growing international concern over the conflict’s impact on global energy markets and regional stability.
Trump celebrated the breakthrough on social media, saying the deal would pave the way for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the U.S. naval blockade imposed during the war.
“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump wrote, referring to the strategic waterway through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil shipments passed before the conflict disrupted operations.
However, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran would maintain restrictions on the strait until the agreement is officially signed.
Neither the White House nor Iranian officials have released the full details of the accord. Pakistan, which served as a mediator during the negotiations, said technical discussions on Iran’s nuclear program would continue over the next 60 days before full implementation.
The agreement is expected to influence the tone of the G7 summit, where Trump is meeting leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Relations between Trump and several European leaders have been strained over the handling of the conflict, particularly after Washington launched military operations without extensive consultation with its allies.
According to the White House, discussions at the summit will include efforts to clear potential naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Britain and France have expressed willingness to assist in demining operations to restore confidence among international shipping companies and resume normal maritime trade.
Macron has also invited leaders from Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to participate in a special session on Middle East security scheduled for Tuesday. The discussions are expected to focus on the implications of the agreement, support for Lebanon, regional stability and Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, questions remain about how the agreement will address Iran’s nuclear activities. Critics have pointed to the lack of publicly available details regarding the monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program and the future of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern over potential economic incentives and sanctions relief that may be included in the agreement. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Mark Warner both called for congressional oversight and greater transparency regarding the deal’s provisions.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is also expected to feature prominently at the summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to join G7 leaders for discussions on Tuesday.
Ahead of the gathering, Trump held separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. Both discussions reportedly focused on efforts to end hostilities and future diplomatic initiatives.
The conflict with Iran and the resulting disruptions to global energy supplies have largely overshadowed developments in Ukraine in recent months, shifting international attention toward the Middle East.
As world leaders gather in France, the success or failure of the proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran is likely to remain a central topic, with significant implications for global security, energy markets and international diplomacy.
