17/06/2026 03:35 - Internacionales
Cumbre del G-7 con líderes mundiales en una sala de conferencias moderna con banderas de países participantes, ambiente diplomático formal con Trump como figura central
U.S. President Donald Trump took center stage during an intense second day at the G-7 summit in Évian-les-Bains (France), where he delivered two clear messages to two of the most problematic actors on the international stage: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The meeting, scheduled to continue until June 17, 2026, has placed hot-button issues on the table such as the conflict with Iran, the war in Ukraine, and energy market stability. Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday on June 14 with a UFC event at the White House, leveraged his strengthened position following the announcement of the Iran peace deal to advance his geopolitical objectives.
Trump asked Netanyahu to "be more responsible with Lebanon" and criticized Israeli attacks on southern Beirut. In a surprising remark, he suggested that Syria could handle Hezbollah: "If Israel is unable to carry out the mission without killing everyone else, Syria will take care of it. Being honest, I think [the Syrians] would do a better job," he stated on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani.
Who is Hezbollah? Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, considered one of the most powerful non-state armed forces in the world. It has been a key ally of Iran and has fought against Israel for decades.
The mention is significant because Syria is now led by Ahmed al Shara, a former leader of a Sunni jihadist militia linked to Al Qaeda, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Additionally, it emerged that Syria signed a contract with two U.S. companies to develop gas fields.
This reference represents a diplomatic cold shower for Netanyahu, who has refused to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon and has complained that the Iran deal does not include Hezbollah.
Regarding Russia, Trump warned that he is willing to reactivate oil sanctions that he suspended when his attack on Iran heightened energy market tensions. "Soon we'll be in a position to do so, because prices are falling," he assured.
Brent crude fell below $80 per barrel for the first time in three months, reaching $83-84 following the announcement of the peace deal with Iran that reopens the Strait of Hormuz (through which 20% of the world's oil passes).
Why does the Strait of Hormuz matter? This narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Any blockage can cause global oil prices to spike dramatically.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated he detected a "collaborative attitude" from Trump regarding sanctions against Russia. This is bad news for the Kremlin at a time when Ukraine is increasing its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Before the session dedicated to the Gulf crisis, G-7 leaders received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who attended in a markedly different position from his White House visit in February 2025, when Trump subjected him to harsh political questioning.
Zelenskyy reported that Trump responded "very positively" to his request for defensive anti-aircraft equipment. The Ukrainian leader noted that of a dozen Russian attack lines sustained in the final phase of the invasion campaign, only two or three remain active with any momentum.
Diplomatic sources cited by news agencies indicated there was consensus on the willingness to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine with air defense capabilities.
Trump made efforts to convey confidence about the Iran deal, which should be formalized with an official signing on Friday, June 19, 2026 in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has left more than 3,700 dead.
The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and 60 days of nuclear negotiations. Iran would maintain its missile program and regional alliances with Hezbollah and the Houthis, though with limitations.
The session dedicated to the Gulf crisis included participation from leaders of Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, in addition to the U.S. delegation.
Source: El País
Alfredo S. Quiroga
