French President Emmanuel Macron called U.S. President Donald Trump’s tentative Iran deal a “very good deal” as G7 leaders endorsed the agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Associated Press. The pact, set for a Friday signing in Switzerland, includes provisions for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and maritime security measures, though Israeli concerns over unilaterally imposed terms remain unresolved, NBC News reported.
G7 Leaders Endorse Deal Despite Domestic Skepticism
G7 leaders at the Evian-les-Bains summit in France unanimously backed Trump’s agreement with Iran to ease tensions in the Middle East, despite internal doubts within the U.S. administration about its long-term effectiveness. Macron described the deal as a “very good deal” during the closing remarks of the three-day meeting, emphasizing that it would “put a stop to a situation of great instability that had terrible consequences for our economies.”
The agreement, outlined in leaked documents, requires Iran to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade, and lift restrictions on its oil exports. In exchange, the U.S. would work to remove sanctions on Iran if a final nuclear deal is reached. Trump, speaking to reporters, expressed confidence in the arrangement, saying, “I think it’ll be done. They want to sign. They want to get back to a normal life.”
However, the White House faces scrutiny from within its own party over whether the deal adequately curbs Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Critics argue the interim agreement lacks concrete safeguards, leaving key nuclear issues unresolved until a 60-day negotiation period concludes.
Maritime Security and Lebanese Ceasefire Provisions
A central component of the deal involves an international maritime mission led by France and the U.K. to “facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz by protecting merchant vessels, reassuring commercial shipping operators, and supporting verification that all mines are removed,” according to the AP. This initiative aims to restore stability in the region, where Iran has effectively blocked the strait since February 2026.
The agreement also calls for an “immediate robust ceasefire” in Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in prolonged clashes with the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah. While the G7 declaration explicitly mentions this requirement, the leaked draft from Bloomberg News does not specify that Israel must withdraw its forces from northern Lebanon—a point of contention for Israeli officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has criticized its exclusion from negotiations, with a senior official telling NBC News that the deal “has not been seen by Israel.” The lack of direct involvement has sparked political backlash ahead of upcoming elections, as Netanyahu defends the war against Iran but acknowledges he has not reviewed the draft agreement.
For more on this story, see Trump’s Plan to Deport Iranian Migrants to Central Africa: A New Controversial Move.
Israeli Concerns Over Unilateral Agreement
The Israeli government’s absence from the negotiations has intensified domestic criticism, with officials accusing the U.S. of bypassing a key ally. A government source told NBC News that Israel’s lack of access to the draft agreement has created a “political scandal,” as the country has borne the brunt of Iranian counterattacks, including missile and drone strikes that targeted its population in late February 2026.
The deal’s provisions for ending hostilities in Lebanon remain ambiguous. While the G7 statement pledges support for “an immediate robust ceasefire” and efforts to disarm Hezbollah, the leaked draft from Bloomberg News does not explicitly require Israel to withdraw from the region. This omission has raised concerns among Israeli officials, who argue that the agreement fails to address the security risks posed by Hezbollah’s continued presence.
Despite these tensions, Trump has maintained that the deal will “end the war on all fronts, including Lebanon,” a phrase cited in the G7 declaration. However, the lack of clarity on Israel’s obligations has left the agreement vulnerable to criticism from both regional and domestic stakeholders.
What Comes Next: Signing and Implementation Challenges
The formal signing of the agreement is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, following a series of high-profile diplomatic events. Trump is set to attend a dinner at the Palace of Versailles before returning to Washington, D.C., where he will face pressure to ensure the deal’s implementation aligns with U.S. interests.
Key challenges remain, including the verification of Iran’s compliance with the maritime and ceasefire terms. The international maritime mission, while endorsed by the G7, must navigate complex geopolitical dynamics to ensure its effectiveness. Meanwhile, the 60-day negotiation period for a final nuclear deal will determine whether the agreement’s broader goals are realized.
As the clock ticks toward the signing, the balance between regional stability and national sovereignty will be tested. For Israel, the deal represents both an opportunity for peace and a potential risk if its security concerns are not addressed. For the U.S., the agreement marks a pivotal moment in its Middle East strategy, with the outcome likely to shape diplomatic relations for years to come.
Associated Press reported on the G7 summit details, while NBC News covered Israeli government reactions.
