G7 backs US-Iran deal, calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon: What leaders said on key geopolitical issues | Today’s news
The meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) takes place in Évian-les-Bains, France from 15 to 17 June 2026 under the rotating French presidency. The meeting is taking place at a time of heightened geopolitical tension.
The group, made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, issued a statement on Tuesday on ongoing geopolitical issues.
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G7 statement on the Middle East
On the crisis in the Middle East, the G7 said: “We recognize the breakthrough and opportunity that currently exists in the Middle East,” adding: “We welcome the announcement of the agreement between the United States and Iran, secured under the strong leadership of President Trump, with the support of intermediary countries, which provides a historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring any nuclear weapon and to address the threats associated with its support for regional and ballistic activities.”
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
The US-Iran deal represents a historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to address threats related to its regional activities, gaining the support of G7 leaders.
The G7 has called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes, stressing Lebanon’s need to disarm Hezbollah and curb violence.
The G7 agreed to a multinational initiative led by France and the United Kingdom to protect merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and facilitate safe and unrestricted maritime traffic.
The G7 supported increased humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, along with political and security measures to end the violence and promote stability in the region.
Yes, the G7 stressed that future negotiations on the threats posed by Iran should include contributions from relevant regional and international partners, recognizing Iran’s role in this context.
The G7 also reaffirmed that the right of transit passage without restrictions or tolls is fundamental to international trade. It also agreed that a multinational, independent and defense initiative led by France and the United Kingdom can play an important role in facilitating the resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz by protecting merchant vessels, reassuring commercial shipping operators and supporting verification that all mines have been cleared.
The group pledged to accelerate efforts to diversify energy shipping routes to reduce the world’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen strategic energy reserves. He also recognized Canada’s potential to significantly expand energy supplies to international markets in the coming years.
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The group also advocated support for a robust and comprehensive agreement following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) secured by US President Donald Trump. The statement said: “We emphasize the need for negotiations to this end to address the threats Iran poses in the region and beyond and to ensure that it never acquires a nuclear weapon. We agree that such negotiations would benefit from contributions from relevant regional and international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon.”
G7 calls for ceasefire in Lebanon, reconstruction efforts in Gaza
Commenting on the ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the G7 called for an immediate ceasefire and efforts from the end of Lebanon to achieve Hezbollah’s disarmament and arms monopoly.
In Gaza, the group called for increased humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, along with the implementation of political and security measures and an end to violence in the West Bank.
G7 statement on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis
The Russian-Ukrainian war has been going on for more than four years now, and the end of the conflict is not in sight. In the past few weeks, Moscow and Kyiv have escalated and launched attacks. Commenting on the war in Ukraine, the G7 said in a statement: “We, the leaders of the G7, stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine in defense of its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The group also reaffirmed its solidarity with Kyiv, which is suffering attacks on its critical infrastructure.
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The G7 extended its support to Kyiv, agreeing to increase supplies of air defense capabilities, additional systems, interceptors and long-range capabilities. In addition, it is considering extending licensing benefits to Ukraine to increase Ukraine’s military production.
Meanwhile, G7 leaders will also increase pressure on Russia’s war economy by imposing additional sanctions, including those on the oil and gas sector.
G7 Statement on the Indo-Pacific
In addressing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the G7 emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law and opposed any attempts to change the status quo, especially through force or coercion, in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, which should only be resolved peacefully through dialogue.
The group also expressed deep concern over North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed its commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
