The 2025 G7 Summit commenced in Alberta, Canada, on Sunday under mounting global uncertainty, as the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict and renewed trade tensions dominate the agenda. Leaders from the Group of Seven nations convened amid reports confirming that Israeli forces carried out major strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran. The escalation has placed Middle Eastern stability at the center of global diplomacy, reports AP.
Adding to the tension, a senior U.S. official disclosed that President Donald Trump recently vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—a revelation underscoring the volatility of the current geopolitical climate and Trump’s central role in crisis management.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had discussions with both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the summit, noted the seriousness of the situation and anticipated “intense discussions” among leaders. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, acting as host, announced the summit would not conclude with a joint communique, citing divergent views among participants, especially President Trump.
Trump’s aggressive rhetoric has also fueled unease over global trade. Just before departing Washington, he hinted at new trade deals and tariffs, stating, “We just send a letter: ‘This is what you’ll pay.’” The statement reflects the administration’s continued confrontational approach to international negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump for suggesting the U.S. might “buy” Greenland during a symbolic visit to the Arctic territory before arriving in Alberta. “Greenland is not for sale,” Macron stated firmly.
This year’s summit features a broader list of invitees, including leaders from India, Ukraine, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Mexico, Australia, and the UAE. Despite this, unity remains elusive. German officials downplayed fears of a “G6 versus Trump” scenario, though former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien warned that Trump’s unpredictability could overshadow proceedings.
In bilateral discussions, the U.K. and U.S. had recently struck a preliminary trade agreement to lower tariffs on steel, aluminum, and vehicles, though it awaits full implementation. At the same time, Starmer faced criticism from Canadian voices for not strongly rebuking Trump’s past suggestion that Canada could be “the 51st U.S. state.” Starmer responded, “Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a valued Commonwealth partner.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet Trump during the summit, marking their first interaction since a tense Oval Office meeting earlier this year.
As the summit progresses behind closed doors, oil prices remain elevated and gold has surged, reflecting investor anxiety over geopolitical instability and the uncertain direction of global trade policy. With tensions rising on multiple fronts, Alberta’s G7 may be one of the most consequential—and contentious—gatherings in recent memory.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
