Donald Trump signed an initial deal with Iran during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles, surprising French officials. The agreement was signed on Wednesday before Trump departed France following a G7 summit.
The unexpected signing of an Iran deal at Versailles, rather than a planned location, highlights a shift in diplomatic strategy and potentially signals a new phase in international relations concerning Iran.
PARIS (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump signed an initial deal with Iran during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles, an event that surprised French officials. The signing occurred on Wednesday as Trump was preparing to depart France following three days of intensive diplomatic discussions at a G7 summit.
Trump casually announced the signing to reporters while entering his car, stating, “We signed in Versailles.” Videos shared on social media platforms showed Trump seated at a table, signing a paper copy of the agreement and handing the pen to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. French President Emmanuel Macron, seated beside Trump, offered congratulations, and other attendees applauded.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure described the signing as a surprise, noting that initial White House plans had anticipated a ceremony in Switzerland on Friday. Lescure recounted witnessing Rubio leave to print the memorandum of agreement before returning for the signing. A French official, speaking anonymously, stated that Rubio and French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot jointly reviewed the memorandum before it was presented to Trump. The official believed Macron was informed shortly before the signing, as Trump arrived with him.