Kananaskis, Canada — The G7 summit opened in the scenic Canadian Rockies on Sunday, shadowed by a rapidly intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as persistent global concerns over US President Donald Trump’s confrontational trade policies.
The military tensions in the Middle East took centre stage as world leaders gathered. Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s retaliatory responses have heightened fears of a broader regional war. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, en route to the summit, said he had spoken with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation. “We recognise Israel’s right to self-defence, but the situation demands restraint. The risks of escalation are severe – for the region and beyond,” he warned.
In a significant move, the UK is deploying fighter jets and reinforcements to the Middle East. At the same time, Trump, known for his erratic diplomacy, looms large over the summit. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the summit host, has dropped the tradition of issuing a joint communique, anticipating that unity may be hard to achieve.
Trump’s recent inflammatory remarks—including suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state of the US—have drawn global criticism. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a symbolic detour, stopped in Greenland on his way to Canada to reaffirm France’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Starmer’s recent efforts to engage Trump included hosting him at the Oval Office and inviting him for a state visit with King Charles III. Though the UK and US have recently announced a trade deal reducing tariffs on steel, aluminium, and vehicles, concerns linger about the Trump administration’s unpredictability.
Pressed on Trump’s remarks about Canada, Starmer firmly responded, “Canada is a sovereign nation and a respected Commonwealth partner.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the summit, meeting Trump for the first time since a tense Oval Office encounter earlier this year. The conflict in Ukraine and discussions about post-ceasefire security measures are expected to be high on the agenda.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien advised fellow leaders to stay composed in the face of Trump’s theatrics. “If Trump acts out, stay calm. He tends to be a bully,” Chrétien said.
Peter Boehm, a veteran of multiple G7 summits, noted the growing weight of the foreign policy agenda. “This G7 will devote more time to global crises than usual, especially the Israel-Iran conflict.”
Apart from G7 members, leaders from India, Brazil, Ukraine, South Africa, South Korea, Mexico, UAE, and Australia have been invited to the summit, where trade, global security, and climate issues are expected to spark complex discussions.
