Trump Heads to G7 After Iran Deal, Tensions with Allies High

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is heading to the G7 summit in France right after his 80th birthday party. The meeting of major democracies starts Monday and will cover Iran, Ukraine, and trade—issues that have caused friction with allies. Hours before leaving Washington, Trump announced an agreement to end the war with Iran. This news could change the mood at the summit. The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. **Summit success may depend on Trump’s mood** Trump’s relationships with European allies have been tense since he launched the Iran war with Israel in February without consulting them. This is their first meeting since then. Allies that Trump criticized for not joining the war may welcome the Iran deal if it reopens the Strait of Hormuz for energy exports. **Ukraine wants to make its case** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is invited to the summit. He hopes to show Trump that Ukraine is making progress against Russia’s invasion. After a tense meeting with Trump last year, Zelenskyy now has a stronger position, experts say. **Uncertain outlook for Iran talks** A lunch meeting on the Middle East could go many ways. The U.S.-Iran deal is expected to be signed Friday. Trump will be asked for more details about the agreement. If the Strait of Hormuz reopens, France and Britain may help clear mines and escort ships through the waterway. Leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will also join those talks. **Other issues on the agenda** China is expected to be a focus of economic talks on Wednesday. G7 nations worry that China is flooding markets with subsidized products. Discussions are also planned on artificial intelligence and helping developing countries. Leaders from India, Brazil, South Korea, and Kenya are attending parts of the summit. **The G7: 50 years of influence** The G7 started in 1975 to help the world economy recover after World War II. Only democracies can join. Russia was a member from 1998 until 2014, when it seized Crimea from Ukraine.