G7 summit opens in France amid US-Iran diplomatic breakthrough
Leaders from the Group of Seven nations gathered in Evian, France, on Monday for a high-stakes three-day summit, with proceedings taking place against the backdrop of a newly announced framework deal between Washington and Tehran that opens a 60-day window for negotiations on the Middle East crisis.
US President Donald Trump arrived in Evian, France, on Monday afternoon to join Group of Seven leaders for a three-day summit overshadowed by a dramatic diplomatic shift in the Middle East, as Washington and Tehran announced a framework agreement establishing a 60-day window for negotiations on regional security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are also attending the gathering alongside the leaders of Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, with the transatlantic partners seeking common ground on trade and security challenges. The summit takes place at a lakeside resort in the Haute-Savoie region, chosen by Macron to facilitate informal dialogue among the world's advanced economies.
Global South and Gulf participation
Macron has invited several leaders from outside the traditional G7 circle to participate in discussions, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, alongside the heads of state from South Korea, Kenya and Egypt. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are also expected to join sessions touching on regional security and economic cooperation, reflecting the summit's expanded geographic focus beyond the core Western democracies. The presence of Gulf leaders underscores the immediate relevance of the US-Iran agreement to regional stability and energy markets.
Macron's farewell summit
The summit holds special significance for the French host, who is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term and will depart the Élysée Palace next spring following nearly eight years in office. Macron opened proceedings on Monday with a bilateral meeting with Trump before hosting leaders for an evening dinner addressing what organizers described as major international challenges, while von der Leyen and Costa held a joint press conference earlier in the day to outline European priorities for the gathering. The French presidency has emphasized the informal setting as conducive to frank exchanges on trade imbalances and collective security arrangements.
Security and technology focus
Tuesday's schedule centers on international security, with leaders set to consult Zelenskyy on continued military and economic support for Ukraine before convening with Gulf leaders to address the Middle East situation and implementation of the new US-Iran framework. The final day will pivot to economic growth and artificial intelligence, featuring a working lunch with industry figures including OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, before Macron closes the summit with a Wednesday afternoon press conference where leaders including Trump are expected to address journalists. Von der Leyen is anticipated to emphasize regulatory cooperation on emerging technologies during the closing sessions.
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