G7 Summit Grapples with Ukraine Peace Push, Iran Deal, and Trump Trade Threats

G7 leaders meet in France with Ukraine, Iran, and trade tensions dominating the agenda At the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, President Zelenskyy joined talks as Trump pledged to push for peace in Ukraine, while the tentative US-Iran deal and threats of a 100% tariff on French wine added friction. Macron worked to keep Trump engaged on collective Western priorities. 123

Iran and US to launch two-month peace talks in Switzerland on Friday Following the framework agreement, negotiators will begin final-settlement talks immediately after a signing ceremony at the Burgenstock resort, with a 60-day window to decide on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices tumbling. 4

Ukraine strikes Moscow oil refinery in retaliation for Russian mass attacks Ukrainian drones set an oil processing unit ablaze at the Moscow refinery, knocking the entire facility out of action, while Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones at Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and other cities, killing at least 11 and injuring 53. Zelenskyy confirmed the strike as a ‘just response’ to Russia’s campaign. 35

Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon kill four; Iran warns of harsh retaliation Israeli forces struck three vehicles near Nabatieh, killing four people, after identifying a suspicious vehicle. Iran’s central military command warned Israel to ‘await a harsh response,’ raising fears of further escalation despite the US-Iran peace framework. 4

Amnesty: Israel’s mass displacement of Lebanese civilians is a war crime A new investigation finds that Israel radically expanded unlawful ‘evacuation’ and no-return orders in 2026, forcibly displacing hundreds of thousands and preventing residents from returning to a unilaterally declared buffer zone covering 6% of Lebanon. The pattern amounts to the war crime of unlawful transfer. 67

UN officials warn of rising hunger and call for renewed peace push in Yemen Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told the Security Council that the unresolved conflict is draining resources and militarizing society, while the UN appealed for the release of 73 detained personnel. The window of regional de-escalation should be used to revive a political process, he said. 8

Nepal seeks to balance China and India after election upset Newly appointed Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met Chinese FM Wang Yi in Beijing, signaling Kathmandu’s intent to recalibrate ties with both neighbors after the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s election victory. The visit reflects Nepal’s enduring diplomatic tightrope. 9

Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing begins state visit to China to shore up diplomatic standing The five-day trip, including a meeting with Xi Jinping, aims to legitimize his rule amid civil war and a widely condemned election. China remains the top trade partner, with investments in rare earths and infrastructure central to the visit. 10

UN secretary-general candidate proposes crisis-prevention hubs María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, the latest nominee to succeed António Guterres, presented the idea during informal dialogues at the General Assembly, emphasizing early warning and prevention mechanisms to address global conflicts. 11