Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said leaders of both the U.S. and Iran had signed the agreement and endorsed him as a mediator. He said there will still be a formal signing ceremony on Friday.
He said in a post on X that the deal “shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade.”
Sharif said Pakistan and co-mediator Qatar will still host an official signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland. His post came shortly after Trump said he’d signed the agreement during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles.
Follow along live.
Pakistan’s leader deletes post on US-Iran deal, then reposts it without a reference to Friday signing ceremony — 8:53p.m.
By the Associated Press
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan had written on X that there would still be a formal signing ceremony on Friday after both sides already signed a memorandum of agreement.
Sharif briefly removed the post a short time later, however. Then, he reposted most of the same text but removed a reference to Friday’s ceremony.
That could cast doubt on whether the ceremony will happen.
Trump said he signed the agreement at the Palace of Versailles and US officials had been planning for a meeting on Friday in Switzerland — but with Trump having now signed the document it wasn’t clear if that would still be necessary.
Pakistan says the deal to end the war in Iran is taking ‘immediate effect’ after both sides have signed it — 7:53p.m.
By the Associated Press
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said leaders of both the U.S. and Iran had signed the agreement and endorsed him as a mediator. He said there will still be a formal signing ceremony on Friday.
He said in a post on X that the deal “shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade.”
Sharif said Pakistan and co-mediator Qatar will still host an official signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland. His post came shortly after Trump said he’d signed the agreement during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles.
US official says US and Iran presidents have signed agreement — 7:48 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Though officials had said Trump and US Vice President JD Vance had digitally signed the agreement Sunday and that a ceremonial signing would be held Friday in Switzerland, a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details about the agreement said Trump signed the deal while at Versailles on Wednesday.
The US official said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed it Wednesday, though Iran did not immediately comment. It wasn’t immediately clear if that act started a 60-day negotiating clock to reach a final deal. It was also not clear how Trump’s signing of the deal at Versailles differed from his digital signing on Sunday.
Trump tells reporters he signed the memorandum of understanding with Iran — 7:47 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“It’s signed,” Trump said as he left Versailles.
“I signed it in Versailles,” Trump said. “Just signed it.”
White House says Trump signed agreement on ending war in Iran — 7:46 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The White House said Trump signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war in Iran while at Versailles, though cameras weren’t present for that.
Many historic treaties have been signed at Versailles over the centuries, ending wars or territorial disputes. The most infamous was that sealed in 1919 officially ending World War I — whose harsh terms imposed on Germany are blamed by some historians for laying the groundwork for World War II.
Macron treats Trump to a French-American-Russian dinner — 7:45 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Here’s the menu, as shared by the White House:
White asparagus with lobster and caviar, chicken roasted with truffles, and a dish of sliced potatoes roasted with cheese. Dessert was hot chocolate pie with vanilla ice cream.
The meal was prepared by acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse.
Ducasse also fed the Trump and Macron couples at his restaurant in the Eiffel Tower in 2017.
The gilt doors of Versailles — 5:05 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump walked through the palace’s courtyard and met his hosts, posing for photographers in front of the famed golden doors.
“Versailles is not gold leaf — Versailles is the real deal,” Trump had explained to reporters earlier about why he said yes to the late dinner outside Paris after the G7.
Earlier, Macron had told reporters that “Versailles is a diplomatic tool and an instrument of influence.”
GOP senator calls Iran deal ‘worst foreign policy blunder in decades’ — 3:55 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“Reagan is rolling over in his grave,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana in a post, referring to the former president.
“Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future,” the Republican said.
“Before the war, the strait was open, Iran was being crushed by sanctions, and 13 service members were still alive,” Cassidy said. “Now, 13 Americans are dead, families have paid billions at the pump, sanctions will be lifted, and the bombing has stopped.”
Cassidy, who lost his primary reelection bid after Trump endorsed his challenger, has been among the rare Republicans willing to criticize the president.
“This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” he posted.
Cruz says Trump is getting ‘bad advice’ on Iran — 3:54 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Texas Republican, a leading hawk on Iran, heavily criticized the draft of the memorandum of agreement between the U.S. and Tehran shortly after it was released to journalists.
“Giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea,” Cruz told reporters. “I think the president, unfortunately, is receiving bad advice.”
Cruz was also critical of how the agreement addresses the issue of tolls through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. draft secures toll-free passage through the vital waterway for 60 days, but it doesn’t preclude fees in the future.
“Setting up Iran to be in charge of the Strait of Hormuz in perpetuity and to charge tolls is not in America’s interest,” Cruz said. “In my view, the Ayatollah should not reap a single penny from the free transit of the seas.”
Energy experts say deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz is welcomed given low oil reserves — 3:34 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The tentative deal for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and sell its oil without restrictions will help ease supply shortages in the short term, energy experts said.
“The oil market welcomes more supply from Iran or anywhere else right now,” said Jim Krane, energy research fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute. “Stocks are running low.”
But in the long term, there’s the chance that too much oil will come to market, Krane said, adding, “reopening the strait has come alongside investment in more oil production elsewhere, especially in the U.S. and Latin America.”
The global supply glut of crude oil that existed pre-war could return in 2027 if the peace deal holds, according to research firm Clearview Energy Partners. A report released by the International Energy Agency on Wednesday estimates a global shortfall of 0.9 million barrels of oil and petroleum products per day for 2026, which is more optimistic than other recent estimates, according to Clearview.
Senate Republican leader says MOU leaves more questions — 3:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Sen. John Thune said he doesn’t think the document that’s now been released is the final product.
“My understanding is, it’s a framework, it’s an MOU, and probably have more to come in terms of any final agreement,” Thune told reporters at the Capitol.
Congress has not yet been briefed on the emerging deal.
“I don’t think probably what you’re seeing right now represents what a final deal will look like,” he said. “I think that sounds like it’s still going to be negotiated.”
He said there are “a bunch of things” senators will have questions about.
Trump says he’s looking forward to having a ‘good time’ at Versailles — 3:27 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“We had an amazing day and now we’re going to Versailles for dinner with some of Europe’s great people,” he told reporters after Air Force One landed in Paris but before the drive to Versailles.
“I think we’re going to have a good time,” Trump said.
Official says US or Iran could walk away at any time until they reach a final deal — 1:58 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The second official said the signed memorandum of understanding is final and has not been changed since it was signed electronically on Sunday. But the official said either side could walk away at any time until they reach a final deal, which they will attempt to do over 60 days.
The official referred to the plans to work with Iran to reach a final deal as a “gentleman’s agreement” and said they would find out in talks starting this weekend whether they can continue moving forward.
If talks with Iran do not seem to be working, then the U.S. could pull the plug on the effort to negotiate and return to “tightening the screws on them very, very aggressively,” the official said.
Trump says US isn’t giving Iran money but suggests frozen assets will be returned — 1:49 p.m.
By the Associated Press
He has repeatedly denied that the U.S. is sending money to Iran as part of a deal, but he said Iranian assets frozen during the war should be returned.
“It’s not our money, it’s their money, and we froze it,” Trump said. “At a certain point in time, I guess we’re going to have to give it back.”
Trump said he considered keeping the frozen assets for the U.S., but said it would hurt the strength of the U.S. dollar. “If we didn’t give it back, nobody would ever invest in the dollar again,” he said.
Trump jokes that if the Iran deal is a failure, he’s blaming Vance — 1:48 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Asked about the possibility of blaming the vice president if the deal with Iran doesn’t work out, Trump replied, “I like that idea, sure.”
“This way, if it works out, I’m going to take the credit. If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD,” the president continued. Then, striking a more playful tone, he added, “You better be careful, JD.”
Vance has become a leading administration voice promoting the initial agreement to end the war in Iran, even as Trump has occasionally contradicted facets of the agreement that Vance has announced publicly.
The vice president is expected to be part of the U.S. delegation signing the agreement Friday in Switzerland. But Trump joked of Vance, “He’s gonna turn his plane around and get the hell out of here.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry suggests deal with US may be signed by Presidents Trump and Pezeshkian — 1:47 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday night suggested that Presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian could sign the deal with the United States.
Such a signing ceremony would represent a major step for the two countries, which saw diplomatic relations break off in 1980 over the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, quoted by Iranian state television, made the comment.
Pezeshkian became president on a promise of seeking better relations with the West. However, he’s been sidelined for months after Iran’s mass killing of protesters in January and in the war as hard-liners broadly have taken over the levers of the country’s theocracy.
US draft of Iran agreement only secures toll-free passage of Strait of Hormuz for 60 days — 1:35 p.m.
By the Associated Press
According to the officials, the draft agreement includes a new ‘minimum’ standard for downblending of highly enriched Iranian uranium. Also, it has provisions to ensure the ‘territorial integrity’ of Lebanon after Israel’s latest attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanese territory.
In return, the U.S. will move to waive, but not eliminate, some wide-ranging sanctions against Iran once the deal is signed.
The U.S. draft of the agreement also only secures toll-free passage of the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, and it doesn’t preclude fees in the future, the officials said.
Trump indicates he doesn’t plan to hold US officials accountable for bombing of Iran school — 1:13 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Asked whether he’d hold anyone in his administration accountable for the deadly missile strike on an elementary school in Iran that killed over 165 people, the president suggested that no, he would not.
Trump said it was an odd question given that the bombing had happened so long ago, during the opening days of the war in Iran.
He also said that all war is nasty and that, in this case, mistakes might have been made, but that “Nobody did it on purpose.”
Trump also said, though, that the Department of Defense is still investigating the bombing.
During a subsequent question, he returned to the school bombing, repeating the sentiment that war was nasty: “Bad things happen in war.”
Trump hints at diplomatic visit from Lebanon, offers sympathy amid Israeli strikes — 1:00 p.m.
By the Associated Press
It wasn’t immediately clear who would be visiting from Lebanon — Trump first said the president and then the prime minister would be coming to Washington “over the next week or two.”
Trump repeatedly expressed sympathy for Lebanon while criticizing Israel, calling it a source of tension with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I say, ‘You can do a little softer touch, Bibi. You don’t have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that’s from Hezbollah,’” Trump said.
Trump said he feels bad for Lebanon, adding that it was “a great culture.”
“It was an incredible culture, maybe the highest in the Middle East, for years and years, centuries,” Trump said. “And for the last 50, 60 years, they have been just trashed.”
Trump offers lengthy – and very meandering – opening comments — 12:57 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president began the press conference by speaking for around 40 straight minutes – offering a steady, stream-of-consciousness-style monologue that covered everything from Iran and Ukraine to drug dealers hiding fentanyl in hubcaps.
Trump talked about not wanting to crash the U.S. economy during the Iran war and said he thought Russia and Ukraine might make a deal to end that war.
He boasted about securing the U.S.-Mexico border but said that Mexico “has lost control of that country” and suggested that smuggling cartels – which he said hid drugs in cars and car parts to move them over the U.S.-Mexico border – had Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum “scared.”
Trump also talked about reaching a possible nuclear accord internationally, even as he suggested that he’d avoided “a nuclear holocaust.” And he said he was looking forward to admiring the golden finishes of the Palace of Versailles when he went to dinner there later Wednesday.
Trump thanks China, Russia for staying ‘neutral’ — 12:56 p.m.
By the Associated Press
As he wrapped up his meandering opener during his press conference, the president noted that the leaders of China and Russia - often allies with Iran - largely stayed out of the conflict.
“They could’ve made it much more difficult for us,” Trump said.
China, in particular, had weapons that could “knock down airplanes,” he said.
“I said. ‘I would really appreciate your not giving or selling any of that stuff to Iran,’” Trump continued. “And you know what? For the most part, he didn’t.”
Trump again denies $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, traces it to Vance statement — 12:41 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“JD made a statement. It was a perfect statement, and they reported it in a very strange way. But that’s because, that’s why it’s fake news, I guess,” Trump said.
He emphasized that the U.S. is “not investing any money” even though he said Tehran will need aid to recover.
Trump says an Iran deal will be signed ‘shortly’ and that a copy has been sent to Israel — 12:40 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Amid conflicting messages from Trump and top administration officials about whether an initial deal to end the war in Iran had already been signed, Trump said the agreement could be signed “maybe tomorrow” or the next day, meaning Thursday or Friday.
Trump recalled his years as a developer and said, “My whole life is all about deals,” and that sometimes “Crazy things happen with deals.”
But he added, “We are going to most likely sign a deal.” He said Iran wants “to sign a deal, and they’ve been acting very appropriately.”
Exactly what the deal entails is a matter of confusion since Trump and his administration have refuted publicly reported details without providing concrete details, they say are correct.
Trump also said a copy of the deal would be released and that the U.S. sent a copy to Israel.
Trump shifts tone on US allies, praises their support for Iran agreement — 12:26 p.m.
By the Associated Press
After complaining for months that U.S. allies were doing too little to help the U.S. in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, Trump on Wednesday quickly shifted to praise for their support of a deal.
“The past two days have provided a chance to discuss the details of this historic agreement with many of our closest friends and allies, including the G7 nations and many presidents and prime ministers,” Trump said in remarks at the summit.
It comes after U.S. allies issued a statement welcoming the framework of a deal to extend U.S.-Iran ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said, “They all put out statements saying they love this deal, because they want to see it over.”
Trump says negotiating an end to the Iran war buoyed the stock market — 12:21 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president suggested that fears of a weakening U.S. economy were a big driver for the administration’s work to negotiate an initial deal to end the Iran war.
“Every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship,” Trump said. “The stock market is more brilliant than anybody there is.”
Trump also said that the “one thing I didn’t want to see is, I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe.” He said that “could have happened” if the war had continued.
“The one president I did not want to be was the late, great Herbert Hoover,” Trump said, referring to the president whose policies helped exacerbate the Great Depression.
Macron defends red carpet treatment for Trump — 11:46 a.m.
By the Associated Press
French President Emmanuel Macron defended his decision to roll out the red carpet for Trump, including a dinner at the Palace of Versailles later Wednesday.
“Versailles is a diplomatic tool and an instrument of influence,” Macron said.
Using a soccer analogy, Macron said he approaches diplomacy like the French national team: “Whether I’m playing at home or away, my goal is to score goals. And when I host other teams, I try to give them a nice welcome.”
Macron says he has always trusted Trump — 11:41 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Macron said he has “always trusted President Trump” because they both have “always spoken frankly.”
That applies on U.S. tariffs issues, Macron said, after Trump threatened 100% tariff on French wines unless a European digital tax is dropped. Macron is still seeking a compromise that would avoid U.S. tariffs from taking effect.
“Partners should never impose tariffs on one another or create instability,” Macron said.
Macron says US limit on cutting-edge Anthropic AI is a ‘bad thing’ — 11:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The French leader is taking aim at a Trump administration directive preventing the use of Anthropic’s latest artificial intelligence models by foreign nationals.
He said it is “a good thing” that U.S. officials recognize that cutting-edge AI models could be dangerous. “What do they fear? That these models could be used by others to attack them or attack us,” he said.
But the “very strong decision” from the Trump administration is also “a bad thing,” he said. “The reaction is in some regards strictly nationalist.”
Anthropic said it has taken its latest artificial intelligence models, known as Fable 5 and Mythos 5, offline to comply with the directive. The AI giant said it did not believe the steps taken by the government were warranted by the concern it flagged about a potential security issue.
Macron warns of the risks of artificial intelligence — 11:27 a.m.
By the Associated Press
G7 leaders discussed the revolutionary technology on Wednesday, the summit’s last day.
The French leader, the summit host, called for regulation.
“No one — neither political leaders nor business leaders — can any longer ignore the impact of AI on our democracies, on our societies. That is why the possibility and the necessity of regulation have now become imperative,” he said.
Italy’s leader says the US-Iran deal created a positive atmosphere at the summit — 11:24 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni said the existence of a deal gave leaders an opportunity to show unity among Western allies on major global crises.
“The U.S.-Iran agreement … clearly had a positive influence” on the summit’s climate, and all the leaders congratulated Trump, she said.
Talking to reporters at the end of the meetings, she said discussions were dominated by the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East and Gulf, adding that G7 leaders agreed on the need to sustain support for Kyiv and “maintain high pressure on Moscow.”
Meloni said Western unity is “one of the most effective tools” to create conditions for negotiations, with the goal of direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
She said Zelenskyy had shown a “sincere attitude” toward a solution, while “no serious signals have arrived from Moscow.”
Thune on why Trump is derailing Jay Clayton hearing: ‘Good question’ — 11:12 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Wednesday that Republicans still plan to move forward with a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton, the president’s nominee for director of national intelligence, despite Trump saying in an early morning social media post that he wanted to cancel it.
“Chairman Cotton is planning to proceed, as you all know, with the hearing,” Thune told reporters. “And then from there on, we’ll just have to take it a day at a time until we get more clarity on what the White House position is on this.”
Senate Republicans had hoped Clayton’s nomination would help break the impasse over renewing a key national security surveillance authority that lapsed last week amid Democratic opposition to Trump’s temporary DNI pick, Bill Pulte.
Asked Wednesday why Trump was now holding up the effort, Thune offered a blunt response: “Good question.”
Macron says China is key source of global economic imbalances — 11:00 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Macron cited what he described as China’s industrial overcapacity, excessive subsidies and weak domestic consumption.
The French president said Europe needs to invest more and modernize its economies, while the United States must address its fiscal and trade deficits.
Macron hails initial US-Iran deal — 10:54 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The French president says it’s a “very good deal” and that U.S. allies in the G7 support it “because it’s an agreement that puts a stop to a situation of great instability that had terrible consequences for our economies.”
It’s due to be signed Friday.
At his news conference, Macron is detailing the statements — nine in all — that the summit produced, on cancer, rare earths, the Ebola outbreak in Congo and other topics.
Macron hails G7 convergence on Ukraine, says Trump backed defense support — 10:53 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Macron said the Evian summit produced an “unprecedented convergence” among G7 leaders, including Trump, in supporting Ukraine, after he invited Zelenskyy to take part in the gathering.
Macron said “we all agreed to increase the supply of air defense capabilities, additional systems and interceptors, as well as long-range capabilities.”
Trump “emphasized the mobilization of the American defense industry and its ability to provide such equipment,” Macron told a news conference.
Macron also praised the leaders’ agreement to increase pressure on Russia, including through stronger sanctions, as “extremely important.”
Macron hails G7 summit as a success — 10:47 a.m.
By the Associated Press
At his news conference closing out the 3-day summit that he hosted, the French president is detailing the progress he says was made.
“It was a moment of unity, of high-quality discussions and of real cooperation between the leaders,” Macron said.
India’s Modi tells Trump safety of Indian mariners is of ‘utmost importance’ — 10:44 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Earlier this month, the US military said an American aircraft fired “precision munitions” into the engine room of the Palau-flagged vessel M/T Settebello. The incident in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian sailors, Indian officials said.
“Mr. President, you are aware, across the world, Indian seafarers in hundreds of thousands are working, and they’re performing their duties across global maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. And their safety is of utmost importance to us,” Modi told Trump as they met on the sidelines of the summit.
Modi said he’s “confident” the issue of seafarers will be a top priority during implementation of the agreement between the United States and Iran.
Asked for words of condolence for the families, Trump said, “It’s a tough profession. There’s no question about it. And we work together on it.”
“This has been happening throughout time, but we work together on it,” he added. “We love all of those people. They’re great people.”
Trump not certain on whether Friday signing ceremony of potential Iran deal will happen — 10:42 a.m.
By the Associated Press
When asked how confident he is that Friday’s ceremonial signing will take place, Trump remarked on the unpredictability of deals.
“You never know with deals, do you? But you’re going to find out pretty soon,” Trump said.
He added: “I think it’ll be done. They want to sign. They want to get back to a normal life.”
Trump said the memorandum of understanding that he signed with Tehran is “a very strong one” and “a long and, you know, pretty detailed memorandum that goes into a regular contract.”
Trump again defends Pulte as acting DNI — 10:36 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president told reporters that Pulte, who is poised to take over as acting director of national intelligence on Friday, will be in the job “as long as it takes to get everybody else approved.”
As he sat alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said the speedy process to get Clayton formally installed is a “rush act by the Democrats,” although Republicans control the Senate and worked expeditiously to move Clayton’s nomination.
“Why are they afraid of this guy? They’re so afraid of him,” Trump said, referring to Pulte. “They’ll do anything not to have Pulte go in there.”
Trump praises Modi’s looks and negotiating skills — 10:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump said the US is “very close” to reaching a trade deal with India and then lavished lavish praise on Modi as “a very tough negotiator.”
“He’s the most beautiful looking man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel. But actually, he’s as tough as he’s a killer,” Trump said.
Trump again remarks on G7 dropping Russia — 10:28 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president told reporters after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he was having “great meetings” with a “group of people used to be the G8.”
“Now it’s the G7. I don’t know, that was a good deal or not,” Trump remarked.
Trump has previously said removing Russia from the G8 in 2014 after it annexed Crimea was a “mistake.”
Trump delays Clayton’s nomination for intelligence director, but committee chairman promises hearing — 10:20 a.m.
By the Associated Press
President Trump said Wednesday that he was delaying federal prosecutor Jay Clayton’s nomination to lead the US intelligence community in a bid to force Congress to act on a voter ID bill that currently lacks enough support for passage, but a key senator said he’d push forward with a hearing.
The chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, said he planned to proceed with Wednesday’s confirmation hearing unless Trump orders Clayton to not appear or withdraws the nomination.
The Republican president said in a social media post just hours before the hearing that he will keep Bill Pulte, a top US housing official, as acting director of national intelligence. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have opposed Pulte for this role, citing his lack of known experience in intelligence and his use of his current administration perch to target Trump’s perceived adversaries.
That’s it for the G7 summit. Now we should hear from Trump and other leaders. — 10:16 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The G7’s final working session, focused on artificial intelligence, has concluded, bringing the summit to a close, French organizers said. Some leaders, including Trump and Macron, were still expected to hold news conferences before departing the French resort town of Evian.
G7 leaders form critical minerals alliance against ‘economic coercion’ — 10:04 a.m.
By the Associated Press
In a joint statement after the summit, the leaders said they have “grave concerns” about “practices and economic coercion, including arbitrary export restrictions and retaliatory measures on critical minerals.” It’s a clear reference to China’s throttling of rare earth exports that rattled industries across the world.
“We will work together with partners to reduce critical dependencies and ensure that attempts or threats to weaponize economic dependencies fail. We seek to deter and stand ready to take actions, where necessary in a coordinated manner, against economic coercion,” their statement said.
The new G7 Critical Minerals Resilience and Production Alliance promises actions including the use of financial instruments, stockpiling, and recycling.
The EU has sought advice from Japan on how it reduced its reliance on Chinese critical minerals, and the US has broadly pursued partnerships to weaken China’s domination on the mining and refinement of rare earth metals so crucial to modern technology from semiconductors to AI, drones and phones.
Tourists at Versailles are out of luck: It’s shut down for Trump-Macron dinner — 9:25 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The vast, glittering palace built for France’s ‘’Sun King’’ Louis XIV closed its gates for Wednesday’s dinner, which was just confirmed four days ago.
A helicopter is flying now over the vast grounds of the chateau as security tightens.
It took 25-year-old Ben Olson and his girlfriend, Amanda Gruell, both from Minnesota, an hour to get from Paris to Versailles, only to learn they wouldn’t be able to enter.
“I don’t know what they’re going to talk about,” Olson said. The disappointed couple decided to walk around the town instead.
As G7 leaders meet AI titans, their spouses discuss dangers of the technology — 8:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Brigitte Macron took some G7 leaders’ spouses to an event called “Protecting Children in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” as their partners met with AI titans.
Macron led Kenya’s Rachel Kimetto, Germany’s Charlotte Merz, Canada’s Diana Fox Carney, South Korea’s Kim Hye-kyung, France’s Brigitte Macron, Britain’s Victoria Starmer, Brazil’s Janja Lula da Silva and Heiko von der Leyen, husband of the EU executive, to La Buvette Cachat, an ornate wood and glass pavilion built in 1832 in Art Nouveau style on the south shore of Lake Geneva.
Trump says US won’t spend 10 cents to help Iran rebuild — 8:26 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The tentative agreement would provide Iran with at least $300 billion to rebuild after the intense US and Israeli-led bombing campaign, according to leaked copies of the document.
But Trump insists the US won’t aid the effort.
“We’re not putting up ten cents,” Trump said while meeting with Egypt’s president. “People can decide to do that, but that’s up to them. We are not investing in it, and we do not have a fund.”
Trump said he’s not asking Gulf countries to contribute. He said other countries are free to do so if they choose.
Trump told other G7 leaders ‘I’m the boss’ — 5:45 a.m.
By the Associated Press
That was his opening phrase as he walked in — late — to the first session of the day at the G7 summit.
The room laughed, and Trump grinned. After exchanging niceties with the U.S. president, Macron then got the meeting underway.
G7 leaders focus on China trade surges and consequences for industry and jobs — 5:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
G7 leaders were to discuss concerns that China is flooding export markets with subsidized products, unfairly out-competing their own industries and destroying jobs. They gathered for a session focusing on “promoting balanced, shared and sustainable economic growth” alongside partners including leaders of India, South Korea, Kenya and Brazil.
Talks come as China is redirecting its products away from the U.S. tariff wall and toward more open markets in Europe and elsewhere in Asia.
The shift in Chinese trade risks creating a European sequel to the China Shock that wiped out hundreds of thousands of factory jobs in the American heartland in the 2000s. Despite U.S. sanctions, China notched a record global trade surplus last year.
Informal talks begin — 4:45 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Leaders of France, the UK, Italy, Germany and Canada have gathered for informal talks ahead of a G7 session on global economic imbalances, French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said.
They then joined the meeting involving partners including India, South Korea, Kenya and India.
Trump delays Jay Clayton’s nomination for intel director to try to push Congress on voting bill — 4:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump said on Wednesday that he’s delaying Jay Clayton’s nomination to lead the US intelligence community in a bid to force Congress to act on a voter ID bill that currently lacks enough support for passage.
Trump said in a lengthy post on his social media site that he will keep Bill Pulte, a top U.S. housing official, as acting director of national intelligence. Lawmakers in both parties had opposed Trump’s nomination of Pulte, citing his apparent lack of experience in the intelligence field, which essentially forced Trump to turn to Clayton.
Clayton had been set to appear on Wednesday for a Senate confirmation hearing that was fast-tracked because of the lapse of a crucial surveillance program due to bipartisan anger over Trump’s pick of Pulte.
No Bilateral Meeting for Carney and Trump at G7 as Trade Pact Renewal Looms — 4:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Carney did not get a bilateral meeting with Trump at the summit, despite the free trade agreement between the countries being up for renewal on July 1.
Carney says he had seven or eight discussions with Trump and he expects to have more Wednesday.
He says they discussed a wide range of subjects, from the economy, relations, his birthday, artificial intelligence, Ukraine and Iran.
Canadian prime ministers usually get a bilateral meeting with an American president at G7 summits. And it is a crucial time for talks to potentially renew the free-trade agreement between the two countries and Mexico. Trump said last week that he may not renew the deal.
Macron is the only G7 leader to get a bilateral meeting thus far. Trump met with the leaders of non-G7 countries of Qatar, UAE, Egypt and India.
Trump to close final day in France at Palace of Versailles — 4:20 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The expansive palace is where he’ll have dinner with Macron before the flight back to Washington.
At the final day of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, Trump is set to participate in working sessions with his counterparts from France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan, alongside leaders from some developing nations and tech CEOs.
In between sessions, he’ll hold one-on-one talks with Egypt’s president and India’s prime minister.
Trump is also holding a news conference before the trip to Versailles.
Leaders pledge Ukraine support including air defense technology — 4:00 a.m.
By the Associated Press
G7 leaders said in a joint statement overnight they would increase military support for Ukraine after recent “progress on the battlefield.”
They also plan to levy harsher sanctions on Russia’s energy sector in the wake of the recent deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
They plan to give more air defense technology including interceptors and grant military production licenses to Ukraine.
Kyiv has sought the permits to construct their own Patriot missiles.
Carney says Iran deal could be a global game changer — 3:45 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Carney says a tentative deal to end the Iran war could be a game changer in the world.
The Canadian prime minister, speaking on the final day of the summit, said the agreement could have positive effects including the ability to provide additional defensive support in Ukraine.
Carney said here has been a change in tone concerning Ukraine, which was discussed in detail at the summit on Tuesday.
Many countries are vested in making the Iran deal work, he said.
G7 leaders call for safe and toll-free shipping in Strait of Hormuz — 3:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Leaders gathered at the G7 summit issued a joint statement overnight Tuesday on the agreement reached between the US and Iran focused on securing safe passage without tolls in the Persian Gulf.
“We reaffirm that the right of transit passage without restrictions or tolls is the bedrock of international trade,” said the statement of leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Iran floated a similar idea in April to fund reconstruction of areas in the country damaged by war.
The closure of the strait has driven up fuel and fertilizer costs and rattled economies worldwide.
The statement also offered support to a French and British-led naval mission to the Persian Gulf to safeguard ships and remove mines from one of the crucial choke-points in the world’s energy supply chain.
Carney gives birthday gift to Trump — 3:00 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gave US President Trump a present for his 80th birthday, but said it’s “not gold.”
Trump was “very pleased,” Carney said, adding that he “likes it a lot.”
Carney didn’t specify what the gift was and a spokesperson for the prime minister didn’t immediately know.
Trump is known for his love of gold. An Oval Office makeover at the start of his term included large amounts of fresh gold trim.
Trump and Carney have a positive relationship despite Trump’s previous comments about making Canada the 51st state of the United States.
Trump goes after Netanyahu as he pursues deal with Iran, putting their friendship to the test — 2:00 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Donald Trump last year that he was the “greatest friend Israel ever had in the White House.”
Now, as Trump tries to finalize a deal to end the war with Iran, he’s unloading on Netanyahu with rhetoric that no other American leader has dared to use publicly.
He claimed credit for Israel’s existence — “without me, there would be no Israel” — and cursed his judgment in interviews. He even described him as “crazy.”
Netanyahu’s tenure as prime minister spans four U.S. presidents, and he’s frustrated all of them at one point or another. But none has voiced that as openly as Trump, who started the conflict in tandem with Netanyahu.
Trump to wrap G7 summit facing skepticism at home and jitters overseas over his plan to end Iran war — 1:00 a.m.
By the Associated Press
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up talks with world leaders at the Group of Seven summit on Wednesday where he’s been trying to sell his tentative agreement with Iran as a pact that will ensure the Islamic Republic never develops a nuclear weapon — even though he’s offered scant specificity about how that would be implemented.
Trump and his fellow leaders are closing the formal talks of the leading industrial nations at a lakeside resort in the French Alps on Wednesday with sessions on the future of artificial intelligence and fostering economic growth.
The U.S. leader also plans to make a stop for a glitzy dinner at the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris before he jets back to Washington.
But first, Trump finds himself trying to quell skepticism about the Iran agreement, a difficult task given that neither the White House nor Iran have released the text of the deal. He also faces jitteriness from key ally Israel about ending the conflict under these terms.
Trump’s endorsement success tapers off in governor races — 12:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Tonight’s results added to Trump’s mixed record with gubernatorial endorsements this primary season.
In Oklahoma, former state Sen. Mike Mazzei failed to meet the threshold needed to secure the GOP nomination, forcing him to a runoff against Gentner Drummond.
In Georgia, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones lost the Republican runoff to Rick Jackson, who dumped over $100 million into his own campaign.
Robert White Jr. wins Democratic primary for DC’s delegate to Congress — 12:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
He becomes the favorite to replace 18-term delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who decided to not seek reelection in the heavily Democratic city.
White, an at-large member of the D.C. Council, would become the third delegate in the district’s history, following Norton and Walter Fauntroy Jr., both politicians with national standing in the civil rights era.
Norton faced heavy pressure to step down from critics who argued she didn’t challenge the Trump administration strongly enough when it deployed the National Guard to the city, among other contentious actions.
Interim US-Iran deal leaves the thorniest issue still to be negotiated: Tehran’s nuclear program — 12:13 a.m.
By the Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The interim deal between the U.S. and Iran is supposed to usher in a two-month period that would address the most divisive issue between the longtime adversaries — Tehran’s nuclear program.
Preventing Iran from attaining a nuclear bomb is a key reason that President Donald Trump said he launched the war alongside Israel in February, but the tentative agreement he has trumpeted leaves little runway to negotiate the long-running sticking point. The previous nuclear pact between Iran and world powers, which Trump pulled the U.S. from in his first term, took many months to negotiate.
Few details have been publicly released about the initial deal, set to be officially signed Friday in Switzerland, but it generally calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global oil shipments, financial incentives for Iran if it meets certain benchmarks, and a 60-day period for talks on ending the country’s nuclear program.
DC mayoral candidate says Trump’s attacks on her energized voters — 12:00 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump last week threatened a federal takeover of Washington if Janeese Lewis George becomes the city’s next mayor. Lewis George, a self-described democratic socialist, said she believed that threat prompted people to go out and vote.
“Some people who weren’t paying attention to this race until the very end, when Trump made those comments, people were (like) ‘Wait a minute I need to pay attention,’” she told reporters.