G7 Talks: France, Trump, and the Middle East‑Ukraine Tangle

The G7 leaders will meet next week in Evian‑les‑Bains, a lakeside town in France, for talks that many expect will focus on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The French host, President Macron, has arranged a schedule that keeps President Trump on his side of the agenda. France wants the summit to look united and avoid any public clashes with Trump, who has been critical of European allies he feels have not supported the U. S. in Gulf conflicts and have become too dependent on Washington for security. The main topics on the table are crisis management, global economic imbalances and securing critical minerals outside of China. Because Trump returned to the White House in 2025, the G7’s usual consensus has loosened. France’s planning reflects this by setting a low bar: the meeting will be considered successful if Trump stays for the full event, especially after he left a previous summit early. Trump’s mood could hinge on progress with Iran. A fragile ceasefire between the U. S. and Tehran is under pressure, and any interim deal that delays tougher issues like Iran’s nuclear program would be welcome. Trump wants the Strait of Hormuz open again and is demanding that Iran’s ports be unblocked, its frozen assets released, and Israel stop striking Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. He has recently criticized NATO allies for not backing his Gulf strategy, and a quick agreement could help calm tensions with the U. S. France has invited Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Egypt to attend. These Gulf states have been hurt by the war, and their presence signals a desire for broader mediation.Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy is also on the agenda. Russia’s war in Ukraine has stalled, and Zelenskiy wants Europe to step up. He worries that U. S. focus on Iran is pulling attention away from Ukraine, especially as Ukrainian drones now hit deeper into Russian territory to disrupt supply lines and energy hubs. European diplomats see the summit as a chance to convince Trump that U. S. proposals are too favorable to Moscow, while also showing readiness to engage Russia, tighten sanctions and increase aid for Ukraine. Experts note that Europe may be looking toward a future with less U. S. influence, and the G7 will likely address global macro‑economic gaps. France is pushing for action on supply chains, migration and drug trafficking, but has dropped plans for a sweeping final communique. Instead, the focus will be on narrower joint statements. Japan’s senior analyst highlighted the need for a concrete plan on critical minerals, such as setting minimum prices or sharing stockpiles. Japan has built up reserves for over a decade and can advise the U. S. on these matters. Macron has also invited Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea to join discussions on global economic imbalances. He has urged China to increase its own consumption, arguing that overproduction in China, overconsumption in the U. S. and underinvestment in Europe are all part of the problem. The G7’s approach may ultimately be a first step toward recognizing and addressing these long‑standing issues together.