Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for Iran's neutrality.
- Trump's remarks challenged G7 claims of a unified shift in tone on Ukraine.
- Trump called discussions on Ukraine at the G7 summit productive.
- The U.S. will reimpose sanctions on Russia's oil sector.
- Trump urged G7 leaders to support his Iran deal and assist in demining the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump concluded the G7 summit by thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin for Iran's neutrality, a statement that immediately challenged G7 claims of a unified shift in tone regarding the Ukraine war. While G7 leaders had expressed optimism about Trump's willingness to pressure Putin and had cited a productive conversation on Ukraine, Trump's focus shifted to Iran during his press conference.
Trump stated that he had a good conversation with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting they both desired a resolution. However, he specifically thanked Putin for remaining neutral on Iran, noting that Russia could have complicated matters. This remark contrasted with the G7's stated focus on Ukraine, with a senior EU official having indicated that the Iran deal allowed for a renewed focus on Ukraine.
The U.S. president also announced that the U.S. would reimpose sanctions on Russia's oil sector, stating, "Russia has to make a deal." Despite this, a planned second bilateral meeting with Zelensky did not occur, and Trump urged G7 counterparts to support his Iran deal and assist in demining the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier in the summit, G7 leaders had been concerned about potential friction with Trump, particularly regarding Iran and Ukraine. However, initial optimism emerged from EU diplomats regarding the relationship with the White House. This optimism was tempered by concerns over Trump's past reversals on pro-Ukraine statements and his personal disputes with other leaders.