Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations began a three-day summit in France on Monday amid renewed global focus on the Middle East following the announcement of a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran to end months of conflict.

The summit, taking place from June 15 to June 17 in the lakeside resort town of Evian-les-Bains, will address a range of pressing international issues, including the implementation of the US-Iran peace framework, the war in Ukraine, global economic imbalances, and efforts to diversify supplies of critical minerals beyond China.

US President Donald Trump arrived in France for the gathering, a development welcomed by French officials after his early departure from last year's summit in Canada. Trump's presence comes at a time when several world leaders remain concerned about the impact of Washington's recent foreign policy decisions on global diplomacy, trade, and security.

A key focus of discussions will be the emerging agreement between Washington and Tehran. The two countries announced that they had reached a preliminary understanding aimed at ending hostilities, with a memorandum of understanding expected to be formally signed in Switzerland later this week.

According to Trump, the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for global oil and gas shipments that had been disrupted during the conflict — is expected to reopen on Friday. He also announced the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon, would cease permanently from Monday night. Tehran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, disclosed that broader negotiations would continue during a proposed 60-day ceasefire period, focusing on sanctions relief and other outstanding issues, including Iran's nuclear programme.

The summit is also expected to feature discussions involving regional stakeholders. Representatives of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt, all of whom played significant roles during the conflict and mediation efforts, are attending the meeting.

On the sidelines of the summit, Trump is scheduled to hold talks with Middle Eastern leaders and participate in a working session with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

The meeting between Trump and Zelensky comes as Ukraine seeks additional military assistance from its allies despite a slowdown in Russian advances on the battlefield. However, analysts suggest that securing increased US support may prove challenging as the Trump administration focuses on consolidating the Iran peace initiative.

For French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit represents a significant diplomatic moment as he enters the final year of his second term in office. Although facing domestic political challenges, Macron continues to play an influential role on the international stage.

France has used its G7 presidency to push discussions on global economic imbalances, arguing that sustainable growth requires shared responsibility among major economies. French officials contend that China must stimulate domestic consumption, the United States should address excessive consumption patterns, and Europe must increase investment to strengthen economic competitiveness.

To broaden the conversation, France invited leaders from Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea to participate in selected discussions, particularly those focused on economic reforms and global supply chains.

The outcome of the summit is expected to shape international cooperation on security, trade and economic policy at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty.