G7 Leaders Discuss NATO Funding, Iran Deal and Middle-East Tensions in France

World leaders gathered for a working session on the final day of the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, after issuing a joint statement on a range of geopolitical issues, including the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the United States remains “committed to NATO” despite recent adjustments to its contributions under the alliance’s force model. He emphasized that European allies and Canada are “ready, willing and able to do more,” and that the United States’ changes reflect a shift from a historically U.S.–centric burden-sharing arrangement. Rutte declined to provide specific timelines, noting that NATO does not disclose precise numbers to avoid informing adversaries.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived late to a morning G7 session, taking the seat of Treasury Secretary Scott Besson. After a brief greeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump asked reporters if they wished to stay for the meeting, after which media were escorted out of the room.

In parallel, U.S. officials said the text of a pending Iran-U.S. memorandum, which outlines financial relief for Tehran in exchange for commitments on nuclear and regional issues, will be released to Congress in the coming days. Vice President JD Vance indicated the timing is being coordinated to address sensitivities in the Arab and Muslim world. The agreement, according to U.S. officials, provides Iran access to a $300 billion development fund but does not involve direct U.S. dollar financing.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at the summit, described the memorandum as a “game changer.” He said it includes a 60-day cease-fire period and a series of conditions tied to financial incentives for Iran, such as allowing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and assisting with mine clearance.

The summit also highlighted the humanitarian impact of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in southern Lebanon. Mohammed Fahess, a supermarket owner displaced by the fighting, told Reuters that his business had been damaged a second time and that the area remains scarred despite a recent reduction in cross-border violence, according to UN reports.

U.S. national-security officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, expressed skepticism about Iran’s willingness to honor its commitments, while senior administration members continued daily meetings to advance the agreement.