Trump's Iran deal push leaves G7 allies waiting on details
Trump used the G7 summit to promote a tentative Iran agreement, but NPR reported that key questions remain on Hormuz, Israel and Ukraine.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
President Trump made a tentative agreement with Iran a central focus of the G7 summit in France, even as major details about the deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remained unclear. NPR reported that the U.S.-Israel-led war in Iran has shaken the global economy and damaged Trump’s political standing at home, including among some of his own supporters.
Trump told reporters Tuesday that he expects the agreement to stay on track. Asked when the text would be released, he said he believed the terms would come together on schedule.
“I think it is going to happen fairly on time. We have both been involved. Iran wants to get it done. They want to get back to business. Their relationship is now normalized, so I think it is going to go quickly,” Trump said, according to NPR.
The president is due to hold a news conference Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. ET before leaving France for Washington, NPR reported. Among the unresolved issues is how the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global energy markets, would be reopened and cleared of mines.
Trump has also discussed the demining effort with European leaders at the summit in Evian, France, according to NPR. The report did not include a public text of the Iran agreement or a detailed timetable for work in the strait.
Israel’s role remains under scrutiny
Another open question is whether Israel will take actions that could jeopardize the tentative arrangement. NPR reported that Trump was asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said Netanyahu needed to reduce tensions involving Lebanon.
“I’ve had a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” Trump said, using Netanyahu’s nickname, according to NPR.
The Iran talks took place alongside other G7 discussions involving leaders from Europe and beyond. NPR identified British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron among those present at the summit.
Ukraine war also on the agenda
Trump also used the summit to address the war between Russia and Ukraine, a conflict he has not been able to end. NPR reported that he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Evian and said Tuesday that he planned to meet him again.
Trump said he had also spoken Sunday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Russia should make a deal. Russia has lost tremendous amounts of people, and so has Ukraine,” Trump said, according to NPR.
He added: “I have settled 8 wars, this was the one I thought would be the easiest to settle.” NPR reported that it remained unclear whether Trump was prepared to provide more help to Ukraine.
This story draws on original reporting from NPR.