Trump confirms G7 visit to France as Iran conflict tests Western unity – Firstpost

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ summit in France later this month, setting the stage for potentially difficult talks with allies as divisions over the Iran conflict continue to strain transatlantic relations.

Trump announced his plans in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, saying he would travel to France immediately after attending a UFC championship event being hosted at the White House on June 14. The G7 summit will take place from June 15 to 17 in Evian-les-Bains, a resort town in southeastern France.

“I’ll be going to the G7, in France, immediately following what will be one of the Most Entertaining Nights in American History, the UFC World Championship Fights on the South Lawn of the White House,” Trump wrote on the social media platform.

The confirmation ends weeks of speculation over whether Trump would participate in the annual gathering, amid growing tensions between Washington and several G7 partners over the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump had previously indicated he would “probably” attend the summit despite disagreements with allies on both security and trade issues.

The summit is expected to be dominated by discussions on the Iran conflict, which has exposed sharp differences between the United States and several European governments. Trump has criticised allies for failing to support Washington’s military campaign and related security initiatives in West Asia, while European leaders have generally favoured a more cautious and diplomatic approach.

The meeting in France will mark one of Trump’s most significant multilateral engagements since the United States and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran earlier this year. Analysts expect leaders to grapple with the conflict’s implications for regional stability, global energy markets and international security.

Beyond Iran, the summit agenda is likely to include trade, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, economic growth and supply-chain resilience. According to previous White House disclosures, Trump is expected to push proposals linking US foreign assistance to trade objectives, promoting the adoption of American-developed AI technologies and reducing China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains.

Trump’s relationship with the G7 has often been uneasy. His administration has repeatedly clashed with allies over defence spending, tariffs and foreign policy priorities. France, this year’s host, has made efforts to ensure US participation, with French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly keen to avoid a summit overshadowed by questions about American engagement.

The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the European Union also participating in discussions. The grouping serves as a key forum for coordinating responses to major economic, financial and geopolitical challenges.