IRIA News

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World leaders gathered in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains on June 15, 2026, as the Group of Seven (G7) summit officially began, bringing together the heads of the United States, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom to discuss major international issues.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived for the three-day meeting shortly after announcing a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Iran.

The U.S.-Iran deal quickly became one of the main topics of discussion among G7 leaders, who are expected to seek more information about its terms and possible impact on regional and global security.

Trump was welcomed by French officials ahead of a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and told reporters upon arrival, “Everything is very nice, thank you.”

Tariff Threats and Immigration Comments

Despite the diplomatic setting, tensions emerged even before formal talks began. Trump warned that the United States could impose 100 percent tariffs on French wine if France does not remove its digital tax affecting major American technology companies.

President Macron rejected the idea and said France would not give in to the pressure, stating, “tariffs don’t do anyone any good, especially tariffs between G7 countries.”

Bienvenue au G7 Évian ! https://t.co/YrYALRbfuO

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 15, 2026

The disagreement added another challenge to a summit already expected to focus on trade, economic cooperation, and global financial stability.

Just before arriving at the summit, Trump also posted comments on social media about immigration, arguing that large-scale immigration from developing countries could have serious long-term effects on national development.

The remarks highlighted another area where his positions differ from those of many European leaders and added to expectations that immigration policy could become an informal topic of discussion during meetings.

Ukraine and Global Security on the Agenda

The war in Ukraine remains another major priority for G7 leaders. During the summit, Trump is expected to hold discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Kyiv continues to seek additional international support while fighting Russian forces.

Macron emphasized that recent attacks on Ukraine strengthen the determination of allied countries to pursue a ceasefire and eventual peace. He said France and its partners would continue working toward those goals during the summit.

During a meeting with President @ParmelinG upon arriving in Geneva, I thanked Switzerland for all the support it has provided and, in particular, for its readiness to help in bringing peace closer.

I informed Mr. President about Russia’s continued attacks and our needs to… pic.twitter.com/MVrxpVr6SR

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 15, 2026

Zelenskyy also announced that he had offered to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G7 gathering in an effort to advance peace talks, but said Putin was not prepared for such discussions.

Alongside Ukraine, leaders are expected to discuss broader issues, including global economic imbalances and securing supplies of critical minerals from sources beyond China.

Attention Focuses on Iran Agreement

The preliminary understanding between Washington and Tehran has attracted significant interest from other G7 members.

A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed later this week in Switzerland, although many of the agreement’s details have not yet been made public.

Trump said the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil and gas shipments, would reopen and that the United States would end its blockade of Iranian ports.

However, several complex issues, including Iran’s highly enriched uranium, ballistic missile program, and frozen assets, are expected to require further negotiations.

France and the United Kingdom have also been exploring plans for a possible regional mission that could help ensure maritime security if approved by Tehran.

Thousands Protest Ahead of Summit

Outside the summit venue, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva to protest the meeting and the policies of G7 governments.

The demonstration was organized by the “No-G7” coalition, which includes more than 60 organizations representing environmental groups, feminist activists, and Palestinian rights supporters.

Francoise Nyffeler, a spokesperson for the coalition, criticized the policies of G7 leaders and said protesters wanted to show that many people opposed current approaches to war, climate issues, and global inequality.

Authorities in Switzerland and France deployed thousands of police officers to maintain security during the summit.

Roads were closed, unauthorized gatherings were banned, and businesses near protest areas took precautionary measures by boarding up storefronts.

As evening approached, clashes broke out between some demonstrators and police, with officers using tear gas and water cannons after masked protesters threw bottles, stones, and firecrackers.

Several buildings were also damaged during the unrest. Police estimated that around 20,000 people participated in the demonstrations.

The 2026 G7 summit comes at a time of significant geopolitical change, with leaders facing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, disputes over trade, and shifting global economic power.

The gathering also reflects growing debate over the role of the G7 itself, as emerging economies and organizations such as BRICS continue to expand their influence on the international stage.

Over the next several days, leaders will seek areas of cooperation while navigating disagreements over tariffs, security, and economic policy, with outcomes from the meetings likely to shape international relations well beyond the summit.