G7 leaders gather in France as US-Iran ceasefire raises hopes and Trump trade threats loom

The lakeside spa town of Evian-les-Bains, population just under 10,000, will host the G7 leaders from June 15 to 17. French President Emmanuel Macron, who holds the rotating presidency, has invited a wide table of guests alongside the core members (the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the European Union).

The Iran ceasefire and reopening of Hormuz

Summit diplomacy opens against the backdrop of a U.S.-Iran preliminary deal to end their war. The announcement came Sunday, and a memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be signed on Friday in Switzerland. Trump has said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen on Friday and that he has ordered the end of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said a more expansive agreement would be negotiated during a 60-day ceasefire period, including sanctions relief and talks on Iran's nuclear program. G7 leaders will be keen to learn the details and coordinate next steps.

We need to ensure that we can, with President Trump, define common objectives, starting with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Zelenskiy's push for Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a working session on Tuesday morning. The war is now in its fifth year, but Russian advances have slowed and Ukraine is seeking more military funding. Zelenskiy has proposed face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin and wants Europeans to play a more prominent role. A French presidential official said there were "no concessions to be made to the Russians, nor is there any reason today to lift sanctions." Zelenskiy's hand has improved since Trump told him in the Oval Office last year: "You don't have the cards." However, he may find greater U.S. support elusive as Trump focuses on the Iran conflict.

This attack only strengthens our determination to do everything, with our allies and partners, to work towards a ceasefire that Russia stubbornly refuses, then to peace. We will work on it at the G7.

Trump's tariff threat and allied unease

Allies arrive wary of the United States. Trump warned before leaving that the U.S. would "have no choice" but to apply 100% tariffs on French wine unless Paris eliminates its digital tax on American tech giants. The threat underscored broader trade tensions and questions about U.S. commitment to the post-war global order. French officials were nevertheless glad to have secured Trump's attendance after he left last year's summit in Canada early; Macron even moved the summit dates to fit Trump's 80th birthday celebration on June 14.

We would have no choice but to apply 100% tariffs on French wine unless Paris eliminates its digital tax on American tech giants.

Security cost feud across the border

Most leaders will fly into Geneva's international airport, and thousands of protesters are gathering on the Swiss side. Switzerland says France is refusing to contribute to the €21.7-27.2 million cost of securing the border and policing protests. Geneva's security communications director, Laurent Paoliello, called for France to "contribute financially for the consequences of their decisions." Swiss authorities have mobilised 4,000 military personnel and banned all public rallies after police clashed with 600-700 protesters on Monday.

It would be elegant for them to contribute financially for the consequences of their decisions.

The wider table and AI focus

Macron has invited the leaders of India, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. A special session on the Middle East war will be held Tuesday. South Africa was disinvited after earlier being asked. AI executives from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and Mistral AI are also expected to attend, as France aims to discuss the rise of artificial intelligence alongside global crises.