The first day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, was dominated by discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine and the global economy, as leaders grappled with multiple crises that have reshaped the international landscape.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada, alongside invited partners including India, Brazil, South Korea and Ukraine.
The summit comes at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and mounting economic challenges, with leaders attempting to find common ground on some of the world's most pressing issues.
The situation in the Middle East quickly emerged as the most urgent item on the agenda following the recently announced agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the summit promoting the deal as a breakthrough that could bring stability to the region and help restore the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors.
European leaders welcomed signs of de-escalation but sought greater clarity on the details of the agreement and Iran's future commitments regarding its nuclear programme.
The G7 also discussed the potential implications for global energy markets and concerns about further disruptions to oil supplies.
Despite the focus on the Middle East, support for Ukraine remained one of the summit's central themes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the gathering as an invited guest amidst a fresh wave of Russian attacks on Kyiv, including damage to the UNESCO-listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery.
Zelenskyy urged leaders to maintain military and financial assistance and renewed his call for direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. European leaders also discussed ways to increase pressure on Moscow, including additional sanctions and measures targeting Russia's energy revenues.
The discussions highlighted the continued determination among Western allies to support Ukraine, even as attention has increasingly shifted to developments in the Middle East.
Economic issues featured prominently during the opening day, with leaders expressing concerns over slowing global growth, supply chain vulnerabilities and dependence on Chinese critical minerals.
The G7 discussed the need to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on single suppliers of strategic materials essential for advanced technologies and the energy transition.
Trade tensions also resurfaced after President Trump threatened France with steep tariffs on wine in response to its digital tax on major American technology companies. The issue underscored lingering divisions within the group over trade policy and economic relations.
President Macron sought to emphasise the importance of maintaining G7 unity and avoiding protectionist measures that could further weaken the global economy.
Beyond immediate geopolitical crises, leaders began discussions on long-term challenges such as artificial intelligence, technological competition and access to critical minerals.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation on AI governance, ensuring online safety and developing more resilient supply chains for the resources needed in emerging technologies and clean energy industries.
As host, Macron has sought to steer the summit through an increasingly fragmented international environment.
The French president has attempted to keep the focus on areas where consensus remains possible, while avoiding issues that could deepen divisions among member states. Climate change, which featured prominently at previous summits, has taken a less central role this year as leaders concentrate on security and economic concerns.
The second day of the summit is expected to focus on:
Although leaders projected an image of unity on the opening day, significant differences remain over trade, global security and how to respond to rapidly changing geopolitical challenges. Whether the summit produces concrete agreements or merely broad statements of intent will become clearer as discussions continue.
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Massive crowds are gathering in the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as part of a week-long farewell. His son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance.
United States striker Folarin Balogun will be eligible to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 after FIFA suspended the implementation of his one-match ban following an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a Reuters report.
England reached the World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca on 5 July, overcoming a second-half red card to set up a meeting with Norway on 11 July.
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.
Mexico's national football team has returned luxury Rolex watches gifted by American content creator Stevewilldoit after concerns that they could conflict with FIFA's ethics rules.
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design, but questions remain over enforcement and whether bans can meaningfully change behaviour.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four members of his family on the second day of mass processions. Three of Khamenei's sons attended the ceremony, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, made no public appearance.
Two senior United Nations officials arrived in Kabul on Sunday to assess the needs of Afghan returnees, as Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said nearly six million people had returned since 2023.
Heavy monsoon rains triggered deadly landslides at Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, killing at least eight people, including children, and forcing authorities to evacuate residents from high-risk areas early on Monday.
NATO leaders meet in Ankara this week at a pivotal moment for the Alliance. While Ukraine remains its foremost military challenge, Europe's rearmament, Middle East instability and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump are reshaping NATO's priorities.
The United States has confirmed that a previously delayed troop rotation to Poland will resume within weeks, reassuring Warsaw after months of uncertainty over the future of the American military presence in the country.
Maritime trade between Iran and Qatar has resumed after a suspension of around five months, according to Iran's commercial attaché in Doha. Shipping between the two countries restarted following coordination between Iranian and Qatari authorities.
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