France hosts G7 summit overshadowed by Trump and Iran tensions

France on Monday hosts a summit of the Group of Seven (G7) major economies, with attention expected to centre on US President Donald Trump’s recently announced agreement to end the war with Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron aims to use the gathering to push forward an ambitious agenda covering issues such as reducing global economic imbalances and strengthening regulation of the digital sphere, particularly artificial intelligence.

Over the next three days, world leaders will converge on the lakeside resort town of Evian on the shores of Lake Geneva. France is also seeking to broaden the G7’s engagement beyond its core members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to join discussions on Tuesday focused on Ukraine, while Arab leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, will take part in talks concerning Iran. Leaders from Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea are also among the invited participants.

Following Sunday’s announcement of a US-Iran agreement to end the conflict, Macron said G7 leaders would examine the implications of the deal, including the long-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

The summit will also address technology and online safety. OpenAI chief Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Mistral AI co-founder Arthur Mensch are expected to attend a Wednesday lunch focused on protecting minors in the digital environment.

Security has been significantly tightened for the event, with thousands of police officers and military personnel deployed across the region, including in neighbouring Switzerland. On Sunday, clashes broke out in Geneva between police and anti-G7 demonstrators, who hurled bottles, stones and firecrackers, prompting authorities to respond with tear gas and water cannons.

Trump arrives in France after celebrating his 80th birthday on Sunday with an event featuring mixed martial arts bouts at the White House — an occasion that reportedly prompted France to adjust the summit schedule.

Set against the backdrop of Lake Geneva, G7 leaders are expected to seek common ground with Trump following a turbulent period in transatlantic relations. A key priority will be restoring stability to global energy markets through the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The goal is to assess the impact of this agreement, support Lebanon, ensure the lasting reopening of Hormuz and advance a final accord on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes,” Macron said. He also stressed the need to diversify energy routes to reduce dependence on the region.

European leaders and Canada are also expected to press Trump on maintaining pressure on Russia to accept a peace settlement in Ukraine. Zelensky has said he plans to meet Trump to discuss proposals aimed at advancing peace and saving lives.

Trump’s programme begins with bilateral talks with Macron on Monday, followed by a working dinner with summit participants. He is also expected to remain in France after the summit for a private dinner with Macron at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday.

For Macron, the summit represents one of his final opportunities before leaving office next year to reinforce France’s global role and advocate for greater European strategic autonomy.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives facing domestic political challenges after the resignation of his defence minister amid disputes over military spending.

Although China is not represented at the summit, leaders are expected to discuss concerns over Beijing’s dominance in the rare earth minerals sector, which is critical to the production of modern electronic devices.