Amid G7 tensions, President Trump said the Iran deal was a step toward peace in the Middle East and beyond.
Published June 15, 2026
US President Donald Trump touted an interim agreement to end the war with Iran, attended the Group of Seven summit in France with world leaders, and signaled his intention to end hostilities in Ukraine and Lebanon.
President Trump’s arrival in Evian-les-Bains on Monday comes as partner nations grow alarmed by his erratic geopolitical performance.
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While many have expressed relief at the deal, which could end the Iran conflict, the mood has been tempered by threats of new tariffs aimed at France, U.S. rhetoric questioning NATO and military aid, warnings about the dangers of migration and efforts to stoke political divisions.
Trump, who met with the summit’s host, French President Emmanuel Macron, shortly after his arrival, boasted of the interim cease-fire agreement with Iran announced on Sunday and said the United States was finally turning the page in its relationship with the longtime adversary.
“I think there are a lot of great things happening in the Middle East right now, and the very important thing is that oil (prices) are plummeting and the stock market is rocketing today,” Trump said. “The Iran deal we have concluded will be a great success for the world.”
Having forged an agreement to end the conflict, President Trump said he arrived at the summit with a tailwind for talks with G7 leaders, including some who have harshly criticized his handling of hostilities that began between the United States and Israel in late February.
The US president has clashed with Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over their failure to consult before deciding to go to war. President Trump responded by accusing NATO allies of not participating in U.S. military operations.
France, Britain and Germany are understood to have offered to help Iran secure the Strait of Hormuz, which is to be reopened under the deal.
However, Trump told Macron that some ships are already passing through the strait for free.
“I don’t think we need much help” as the Channel “will remain open,” he said, later telling the French leader, “But I don’t think it would be a bad idea to have a ship or two from several countries call here. You would be a great country to do that.”
“Good conversation”
With the deal with Iran secured, President Trump said he would now focus on securing peace between Ukraine and Russia while seeking to end the fighting in Lebanon.
“I had very good conversations with President (Volodomy) Zelenskiy and President (Vladimir) Putin yesterday. I think we might be able to do something there. I really do. I think they’re both open to it,” he said.
Zelensky offered to meet Putin with Trump and European leaders at the G7, but the Kremlin did not respond, a Ukrainian official familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.
President Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, and as a member of the ICC, France is obligated to arrest him. The United States and Russia both oppose the court.
The fallout from wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East is just one of several issues G7 leaders will tackle at the summit, which concludes on Wednesday.
The two countries will also seek common ground in tackling global economic imbalances and AI. The leaders will also discuss China’s dominance and control of the market for rare earth minerals used in everyday electronics.
