As the Group of Seven summit kicked off in the picturesque locale of the Canadian Rockies, leaders from some of the most influential global economic powers gathered amidst tensions marked by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, alongside unresolved trade disputes led by the U.S. President.
The recent exchanges between Israel and Iran have added a layer of unpredictability to the current global landscape. Reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump recently turned down an Israeli plan targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, indicating the extent of measures Israel was ready to undertake. This development caught many leaders by surprise, underscoring the volatile globe they are now navigating.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted his dialogues with both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others, in efforts toward de-escalating the fresh crisis. He anticipated intense deliberations would unfold regarding this issue at the summit.
The summit, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, is set to diverge from the tradition of concluding with a joint statement. The ongoing trade tensions, particularly due to Trump’s tariff discussions, hint at the summit turning into a series of bilateral talks rather than a unified front.
Trump remains a significant point of interest at the summit. Arriving with his trademark “Make America Great Again” cap, he was received by Canadian Mounties. His controversial comments regarding American expansion into Canada and ambitions about Greenland loomed over the discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron’s stopover in Greenland en route to the summit emphasized Europe’s stance, warning that Greenland “is not to be sold or taken.” This garnered applause and yielded strong messages of solidarity for Greenland.
Upon his late Sunday arrival in Alberta, President Trump had a slated meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister set for Monday, preceding the summit sessions. Meanwhile, several non-G7 leaders, including those from India, Ukraine, Brazil, and others, had been invited to participate, with avoiding tariffs being a central focus.
Addressing the media before his departure from the White House, Trump mentioned upcoming trade deals, though the specifics remained undisclosed. There’s been mention of friction during bilateral meetings with Trump, given his reputation for leveraging these discussions to exert pressure, particularly on nations like Ukraine and South Africa.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien advised that in case of erratic behavior from Trump, leaders should remain composed and overlook the disruptions. He suggested maintaining a normal course of action despite any antics aimed at making headlines.
The summit’s timeline coincides with the announcement of a new trade deal between the U.K. and U.S., projected to significantly reduce American-imposed tariffs on British goods like autos and metals. However, Britain remains vigilant for any policy reversals from Washington. Diplomatic nuances could get strained, as Starmer’s strategy of engaging with Trump complicates his standing with longstanding allies like Canada.
In addition to trade matters, the Ukrainian conflict shapes the summit discussions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attendance highlights another dimension of the summit, noted for previous intense meetings with Trump.
Moreover, Starmer took the opportunity for preliminary discussions with Carney in Ottawa, marking the first visit by a British leader to Canada in almost a decade. Concerns over the summit becoming a case of six versus one were played down by German officials, emphasizing that varying perspectives exist within the G7 itself. Nonetheless, unpredictable actions from the U.S. President, influenced by publicity motives, remain a wild card.