US‑Iran Deal Talks Heighten Middle East Tensions Ahead of G7 Summit

President Donald Trump told Axios the pending strategic agreement with Iran would be signed that day, saying “It will be signed today.” The statement came as Israel launched a targeted raid on the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Local sources reported at least three people killed and fifteen injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike as a direct response to Hezbollah attacks, while Iran’s army warned the action “will not go unpunished” and senior Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf questioned U.S. reliability.

At the same time, the G7 summit opened in Evian‑les‑Bains, France, under President Emmanuel Macron’s agenda. Leaders will discuss the Ukraine war, economic imbalances, artificial‑intelligence policy and, crucially, “building peace and security for Ukraine and Europe” and “resolving crises and ensuring stability in the Middle East.” Presidents of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are slated to join talks on the Middle East, while the summit also welcomes partner countries Brazil, India, South Korea, Kenya and Egypt. Trump’s presence was expected at the gathering, underscoring the linkage between the diplomatic push on a U.S.–Iran accord and broader international efforts to defuse regional tensions.