Initial Iran deal signed at Versailles during Emmanuel Macron dinner with Donald Trump

Donald Trump signed an initial deal with Iran inside the Palace of Versailles. The signing happened during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The US president mentioned it while leaving France on Wednesday. Trump told reporters, "We signed in Versailles.\"

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Videos shared on X by Macron and a White House aide showed the moment. Trump sat at a table and signed a paper copy. Trump then passed the document and pen to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Macron, seated beside Trump, said, \"Good job. Bravo.\" Guests and officials clapped.

Versailles deal signing surprises French ministers

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the signing caught many by surprise. Lescure spoke on Thursday about what happened at the dinner. Lescure said, \"Initial White House plans had considered a signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland.\" Lescure said the decision changed during the evening.

Lescure described seeing activity around the paperwork during the meal. Lescure said, \"We literally saw Marco Rubio leave - I dont know if he had already printed the memorandum of agreement or went to print it - and come back,\" then added, \"We cleared the plates.\" Lescure said the signing happened soon after.

Versailles deal signing reviewed by Rubio and Jean-Noël Barrot

Lescure was asked if Macron knew the signing was coming. Lescure said Trump likely told Macron shortly before it happened. Lescure linked that to the leaders arriving together. Lescure added, \"In any case, for us, ministers of the French government, it was a surprise,\" describing the mood at the table.

A French official said the text was checked before Trump signed it. The official said Rubio and French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reviewed the memorandum of understanding together. The official then said it was taken to Trump for the signature. The official spoke anonymously due to limits on media briefings.

Trump’s remarks came at the end of three days of talks around a G7 summit. The dinner at Versailles became the setting for the unexpected signing. French ministers said they did not expect it during the meal. Officials later pointed to last-minute coordination before the document reached Trump.

With inputs from PTI