“They should talk, and they should talk immediately,” Trump said, urging Israel and Iran to return to the table to prevent further violence.
Growing Fears Over Middle East Flashpoint
The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified following renewed Israeli strikes and threats over Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program. Leaders at the summit agree that the crisis, if left unchecked, could destabilize not only the Middle East—including the fragile situation in Gaza—but also derail the global economy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated:
“The risk of escalation is obvious... The implications, not just for the region but globally, are immense. Our focus must be on de-escalation.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed similar concerns, announcing that Germany will propose a joint communique warning that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons-capable materials.
Trump Revives Old Alliances—and Controversies
During his bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump diverged from the group’s Middle East focus to voice controversial views on G7 membership. He reiterated that removing Russia from the bloc in 2014—following its annexation of Crimea—was a mistake, claiming that it contributed to global instability.
“Russia’s removal was destabilizing. It’s time to think differently,” Trump said, suggesting that China should be added to the G7 to reflect changing geopolitical realities.
Trump’s comments are likely to trigger debate among the G7 nations, many of which continue to impose sanctions on Russia and view China’s rising authoritarianism with suspicion.
Trade Tensions Simmer Beneath Diplomacy
Trump also signaled that his top priority at this summit is not peace in the Middle East but trade. In a firm statement, he said:
“Our primary focus will be trade,” referring to his talks with Carney and future bilateral meetings.
Under Trump’s previous administration, the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries, arguing it was necessary to curb fentanyl smuggling and protect U.S. industry. While some products are shielded under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), many G7 allies remain concerned that protectionist U.S. policies may backfire, driving partners closer to China.
Carney, known for his independent stance, has previously warned that Canada cannot blindly rely on the U.S. as an enduring ally, reflecting growing skepticism about Trump's America-first strategy.
Chancellor Merz was blunt:
“There will be no solution at this summit. But perhaps we could come closer to one in small steps.”
Summit in Shadow of Global Crises
Beyond the Israel-Iran tensions and trade wars, G7 leaders are grappling with a long list of unresolved global challenges:
- Russia’s war in Ukraine remains deadlocked, with no clear diplomatic pathway forward.
- Gaza continues to face humanitarian disaster amid Israeli military actions.
- Climate change targets remain unmet, with carbon emissions climbing.
- Artificial intelligence, drug trafficking, and immigration policy remain major areas of disagreement among leaders.
- And China continues to exert dominance over critical global supply chains, from semiconductors to electric vehicles.
The fragile unity of the G7 is being tested like never before. Analysts say this summit could shape not just immediate responses to global crises, but the future structure of global alliances.
What's Next?
As summit talks continue, the world watches closely. The hope is that the G7 can emerge with a unified stance on de-escalation in the Middle East, a roadmap for fair global trade, and a renewed commitment to multilateralism in the face of rising authoritarian threats.
But with Trump doubling down on tariffs, advocating for Russia’s return, and pushing China into the conversation, the path to consensus is far from certain.