US President Donald Trump plans to use the G7 summit to discuss the next steps around a framework agreement in the Iran war, including a possible contribution to mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, US officials said on Saturday.
A senior US government official said in advance that the Group of Seven leading economies had indicated there were things they could do once a framework agreement was in place.
He raised the issue of mine-clearing in the strategically important strait, which is critical to global oil trade. The US had capabilities in that area, but some G7 countries also had considerable capacities that they were willing to make available voluntarily, he said.
A neutral naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz is being prepared under the leadership of France and Britain. More than 40 countries have pledged their support, including Germany. Mine-clearing is also part of that mission.
According to the official, Trump also intends to use the G7 summit for bilateral talks with representatives of Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not take part in the talks, according to US officials. The discussions are expected to cover Iran, Gaza and Lebanon.
Trump is due to arrive in the French town of Évian on Monday afternoon. The group of leading democratic economies - comprising the US, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Japan, as well as the European Union - is scheduled to meet in the French spa town on Lake Geneva from Monday to Wednesday.
