WEB DESK: Leaders from some of the world’s leading economies convened in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday for a Group of Seven summit, overshadowed by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as ongoing trade conflicts involving the United States.
The recent Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions, which caught many world leaders off guard, signal a more unstable global situation. Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump recently vetoed an Israeli plan to target Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — a move suggesting the depth of the current tensions.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he discussed efforts to de-escalate the crisis with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with other global leaders. He anticipates that intense discussions will continue throughout the summit.
Trump’s Role Adds Uncertainty
As host of the summit, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has decided to forego the traditional joint communique at the summit’s conclusion. With other leaders eager to speak with Trump to dissuade him from imposing tariffs, the gathering risks turning into a series of bilateral talks rather than a unified front.
Trump remains the unpredictable element of the summit. He arrived sporting a “Make America Great Again” hat and was greeted by four Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers. His provocative comments about possibly making Canada the 51st state and taking control of Greenland cast a shadow over the event. Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland en route to Canada, emphasizing that Greenland is “not to be sold” or “taken,” warning that Europeans are not to be sidelined.“Everyone in France and the European Union agrees Greenland should not be sold or taken,” Macron declared during a press conference, receiving applause from the local crowd. “The situation in Greenland is a wake-up call for all Europeans. Let me be clear: you are not alone,” he added.
Trump’s aircraft touched down in Alberta late Sunday. He is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Trudeau on Monday morning before the summit officially begins.
Leaders’ Perspectives on Trump’s Behavior
Several invited leaders not part of the G7, including heads of state from India, Ukraine, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, and the UAE, are focused on avoiding tariffs and trade disputes.When asked if he planned to announce new trade agreements as he left the White House, Trump hinted at potential deals but emphasized that existing agreements could be formalized with simple letters. He also has a history of using bilateral meetings to pressure other leaders, as seen with Ukraine and South Africa.Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien commented that if Trump acts unpredictably, leaders should remain calm and ignore provocations, citing Trudeau’s recent measured approach in meetings with Trump.“Trump tends to be a bully,” Chrétien remarked. “If he tries to stir things up for attention, let him do it. The key is to stay composed and keep talking normally.”Recently, the U.S. and UK announced a trade deal to lower tariffs on UK autos, steel, and aluminum, though it has yet to be implemented. British officials remain confident that the deal will proceed as planned.Prime Minister Starmer is navigating a delicate diplomatic situation, especially with Trump’s repeated threats to turn Canada into the 51st state. Asked if he has addressed these threats with Trump, Starmer reaffirmed Canada’s sovereignty, stating, “Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a valued member of the Commonwealth.”
Ukraine Crisis and Potential Meetings
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is expected to feature prominently on the agenda. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to attend and is anticipated to meet Trump, rekindling their recent encounter in the U.S., which highlighted the complexities of engaging with the American leader.
Before the summit, Starmer met with Trudeau in Ottawa for discussions on security and trade — the first such visit by a British Prime Minister in eight years.
German officials emphasized that the G7 countries have differing priorities on various issues and countered suggestions that the summit might become a “six against one” scenario, stressing that the unpredictability of Trump’s actions remains the biggest challenge
