The Group of Seven Summit officially commenced on June 15 local time in Evian-les-Bains, eastern France. During the three-day conference, leaders will discuss core issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Middle East situation, economic balance, and artificial intelligence. As the presidency, France revealed prior to the opening that the group plans to hold a special session on Iran the following day, aimed at ensuring the implementation of relevant memorandums of understanding.
On the eve of the summit, relevant parties announced a peace agreement, committing to end the conflict lasting several months and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The G7 leaders' special session on Iran intends to provide political backing for the fragile ceasefire agreement and coordinate subsequent policy positions. The French President has previously acted as a mediator among relevant parties on multiple occasions; promoting a unified group stance on Iran aligns with his consistent style of seeking strategic initiative in Middle East affairs.
According to the released agenda, the meeting covers seven core topics. Beyond the Iran issue, the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a top priority, with parties pushing for a ceasefire. Regarding the Middle East, tensions between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah will also be discussed. Against the backdrop of global inflationary pressure and supply chain reshaping, the group will coordinate macroeconomic policies. Additionally, AI governance, climate change and biodiversity, global health, and maritime security and connectivity are within the scope of discussion, with maritime security focusing specifically on shipping safety mechanisms following the restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition to core G7 members, France invited leaders from over ten countries or international organizations, including emerging market representatives and parties directly involved in the conflicts. Notably, this marks the US President's first summit attendance since returning to the White House. His positive posture following the agreement is expected to generate greater synergy with European allies during the summit, though traditional frictions between the two sides on issues such as trade and digital tax may resurface.
As the summit convenes, preparatory work for the formal signing of the relevant peace agreement is proceeding simultaneously. According to the schedule, both sides will hold a formal signing ceremony in Switzerland this Friday. Although core disputes such as nuclear issues are not included in this agreement, the group stated its readiness to exchange sanctions relief for relevant commitments, leaving policy space for subsequent negotiations. Minesweeping and reopening procedures for the Strait of Hormuz are expected to launch immediately after the agreement is signed. As the signing date approaches, global energy markets are closely monitoring developments; any delays or reversals will directly impact oil price trends.
