Trump signs Iran accord at G7 gala, Western unity on Ukraine, Hormuz naval force readied

The Iran accord

On the final evening of the G7 summit, Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran at the gala dinner in Versailles. A video posted by presidential aide Dan Scavino showed Trump seated between Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron, affixing his signature at the table. The French president was heard saying "Bravo" and "Great job." The agreement, described by Trump as ending the war and achieving all objectives, includes a private fund of $300 billion for Iran, according to il Giornale. The Corriere della Sera podcast noted the accord contains 14 points, though details were not disclosed at the summit. Trump warned that if Iran "doesn't behave well, we'll start dropping bombs again," while insisting the alternative to the deal was continued bombing that would not have reopened Hormuz.

We could have continued bombing but it would have been stupid and Hormuz wouldn't have reopened. With the new leadership, regime change is possible.

The memorandum was hailed by G7 leaders as a breakthrough in halting Iran's military nuclear ambitions. Trump declared later, "I am the boss," self-crowning himself the summit's victor.

Western unity on Ukraine

The G7 closed with what President Macron called "the first time we have such strong convergence" on Ukraine. The seven leaders signed joint conclusions pledging more military assistance, especially air defence systems, and increased sanctions on Russian oil and gas exports. Chancellor Merz confirmed that all members will raise their financial and military contributions to bolster Ukraine's resilience. The objective, Macron said, is to raise pressure on Moscow to open genuine negotiations.

For the first time we have such strong convergence, with conclusions so clear,

Trump revealed he had spoken to both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming both want to act but "don't know how to do it." He added, "Russia must make a deal." European Council President Antonio Costa disclosed that his office had initiated informal, exploratory contacts with the Kremlin to keep communication channels open. Brussels stressed it is not seeking a mediation role but aims to protect EU interests ahead of any possible negotiations.

Securing the Strait of Hormuz

Macron announced that a European-led naval mission to guarantee safe navigation and demining in the Strait of Hormuz is being prepared, with France and the United Kingdom at the fore. "About twenty countries are ready to join us," he said, naming Italy among them. German Chancellor Merz is convening European leaders, including Poland, in Berlin next week to discuss the future of NATO and the Hormuz demining operation. Italy, through Prime Minister Meloni, confirmed its readiness to contribute to the security and free circulation of goods in the strait, while Pakistan reportedly urged Tehran to open Hormuz immediately.

Diplomatic dynamics at the summit

The summit's host, Macron, turned a potentially explosive meeting into a show of transatlantic harmony. Il Sole 24 Ore described him as one of the winners, having flattered Trump with the Versailles setting for his 80th birthday celebrations while absorbing the tariff blows on wine and champagne without rising to the provocation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni left satisfied, celebrating a double thaw after weeks of misunderstandings with both Trump and Macron. She stressed that the relationship with Trump remains "unchanged," even if no longer as "special" as during the Kananaskis G7. Meloni also reclaimed the mantra of "Western unity," asserting that convergence on Ukraine was not taken for granted.