Trump in France for meetings with G7 leaders
Donald Trump was in France on Tuesday for the second day of the G7 summit, where world leaders were expected to discuss security for Ukraine and Europe, and ending the Middle East crisis.
The group – which includes the leaders of the US, France, Britain, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan – will hold a working lunch on ‘ending crises and ensuring stability in the Middle East’ with representatives from Egypt, the UAE and Qatar.
Later in the day, they will be joined by other leaders to hold a working session on ‘forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity’.
Emmanuel Macron (L) greets US President Donald Trump during the G7 summit, in Evian, central-eastern France, on June 15 (AFP/Getty)
James Reynolds16 June 2026 14:00
Iran ‘will not sign final nuclear deal’ unless Israel withdraws from Lebanon, says Hezbollah
Hezbollah says in a statement that they have received promises from Iran that Tehran will not sign a final nuclear deal with the United States unless Israel withdraws from Lebanon.
James Reynolds16 June 2026 13:52
Watch: Vance says ‘a lot’ of details to negotiate with Iran, but US holds ‘all the cards’Vance says ‘a lot’ of details to negotiate with Iran, but US holds ‘all the cards’
James Reynolds16 June 2026 13:30
Recap: Despite framework deal, obstacles to peace remain
Donald Trump announced a framework deal to end the war with Iran on Sunday, potentially ending weeks of drawn-out speculation.
The focal text is yet to be published, with JD Vance suggesting on Monday a version could be seen this week. But even without a deal to consider, obstacles were already starting to emerge.
1. Iran and the US have notably only agreed on a memorandum of understanding which would pave the way for more talks on sensitive issues like Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. Those issues have proven thorny for years; under the current arrangement, the US and Iran would have just 60 days to reach consensus.
2. Iran and mediator Pakistan said that the US and Iran had agreed to end the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon where Israel’s military continues to operate. But Israel, not a party to the talks, insisted on Monday it would continue operating in the south. At least one person was reported to have been killed.
Remains of a toy lie amid destroyed buildings in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, Tyre district, southern Lebanon, June 15 (Reuters)
3. The preliminary agreement aims to end all fighting in the region and lift the dual US/Iranian blockades around the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said this could begin on Friday, but analysts say it could take weeks to return to normal traffic volumes. Trump has acknowledged there are still mines to clear, and shipping leaders say they will not rush into action ‘given the experiences in the last couple of months’.
4. While Donald Trump insisted the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened ‘toll free’, Iranian state media reported that traffic would henceforth be regulated by Iran and Oman. Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday it could charge ‘maritime fees’ for passage through the Strait.
James Reynolds16 June 2026 13:00
Iran’s top negotiator Qalibaf to attend signing of interim deal with US
Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf will be present for the signing of the interim agreement to end the war, Iran’s deputy foreign minister said on Tuesday, according to Tasnim news agency.
Majid Takht-Ravanchi said it remained unclear where exactly the signing would take place and in what format it would be conducted.
Donald Trump said on Monday that Vice President JD Vance would attend the formal signing ceremony in Geneva.
James Reynolds16 June 2026 12:30
Iranian tankers said to be heading for ports again
Iran’s state TV reports that three Iranian tankers and two vessels carrying essential goods are now sailing towards Iranian ports from the Indian ocean.
The US said it would lift its blockade on Iranian ports as part of the framework deal to end the war.
James Reynolds16 June 2026 12:05
In pictures: Trump meets with world leaders to discuss stability in the Middle East
Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a working lunch (Reuters)
(From L) European Council President Antonio Costa, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, US President Donald Trump, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attend a work lunch as part of the G7 summit, in Evian, eastern France, on June 16 (AFP/Getty)
James Reynolds16 June 2026 12:02
Recap: Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could take weeks to resume, say operators
Commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could take weeks to resume, the world’s largest tanker operator has said, despite Donald Trump’s insistence the vital waterway is already “partially opened” to traffic.
Jotaro Tamura, CEO of Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines, told the FT that it was not enough for shipping companies to see a “simple agreement between the relevant companies” to resume shipping and assuage down global energy prices.
“Given the experiences in the last couple of months, I think it’s reasonable to assume that it may take at least a couple of weeks or if not a month,” Tamura said, before Trump announced a preliminary arrangement with Iran.
The framework deal between the US and Iran was already under pressure on Monday as Israel suggested it would stay in Lebanon despite the reported agreement stipulating the conflict would be ended on all fronts.
Trump was in France on Tuesday for the second day of the G7 summit with the leaders of France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan. Meetings will focus on ending the Middle East crisis, and security for Europe.
James Reynolds16 June 2026 12:00
Recap: Trump’s staggering indictment of Israel’s record on Lebanon
In comments to reporters at the G7 conference today, Donald Trump attacked Israel’s record on Lebanon and warned the issue could undermine his efforts to end the war with Iran.
“Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed,” he said.
“And you don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody. Because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses. And they’re not all Hezbollah, I can tell you.”
Trump said he was “not happy” with how Israel “has handled themselves” with regard to Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Donald Trump speaks with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday (Getty)
“They should have been able to do the job faster. It just goes on forever. And when that happens, it throws a negative light on the big deal, and that’s the deal with Iran.”
Trump suggested Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa would be able to better lead the fight against Hezbollah.
“I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah. Because to be honest with you, I think they’d do a better job of doing it.”
Sharaa, he said, has “protected everything that I’ve asked for”.
“And if Israel can’t do the job without killing everyone else, he’ll do the job. Syria will do the job.”
Trump said that while he has a “great relationship” with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, he “has to be more responsible” on Lebanon.
James Reynolds16 June 2026 11:58
Analysis: Netanyahu’s nightmare has become reality with Trump’s Iran deal
As Donald Trump crows about peace in the region, ominous signs are coming from Israel and Hezbollah, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew:
James Reynolds16 June 2026 11:30