Leaders from the Group of Seven, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are gearing up for discussions in Canada, addressing issues such as the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The three-day meeting in Kananaskis marks Mr. Trump’s return to the global diplomatic scene, having surprised allies by violating norms and imposing extensive tariffs on both friends and adversaries.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has crafted an agenda designed to minimize conflicts among the wealthy industrial democracies: Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.
Nonetheless, just two days prior to the summit, Israel launched an unexpected and large-scale military operation against Iran, shocking the world.
The outcome may involve calls for de-escalation or a statement affirming Israel’s “right to defend itself” in light of Iran’s disputed nuclear activities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that she discussed the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the summit and agreed on Iran’s culpability.
“Naturally, I believe a negotiated solution is the best long-term approach,” she mentioned, avoiding calls for an immediate ceasefire.
President Trump has lauded Israel’s military actions, highlighting the use of U.S. weapons, even as Mr. Netanyahu disregarded his public pleas for restraint while the U.S. sought a negotiated outcome.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for moderation and encouraged Iran to re-engage in discussions with the United States.
In a surprising move, Japan, which usually maintains good relations with Iran, notably broke ranks with its U.S. and European allies by condemning Israel’s strikes as “deeply regrettable.”
European nations have generally refrained from criticizing Israel over its actions in Iran, despite separate concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
President Macron has urged restraint and held Iran accountable for heightening tensions related to its nuclear program, while Mr. Trump visits Canada despite previously ridiculing the nation as potentially better off as the 51st state.
Tensions have lessened since Mr. Carney, a former central banker, took the reins in March from Justin Trudeau, whom Mr. Trump openly disliked.
During Trump’s last visit to Canada for a G7 summit in 2018, he left early and tweeted insults about Mr. Trudeau from Air Force One, distancing the U.S. from the final statement.
However, significant tensions persist. Mr. Trump is pursuing a radical overhaul of a global economic framework based on free trade and has threatened to impose broad tariffs on both allies and adversaries by July 9—an initial deadline he has postponed once.
Ms. von der Leyen, who communicated with Mr. Trump via phone on Saturday, expressed optimism for a European resolution and offered subtle criticism of the U.S. stance.
“We must maintain fair, predictable, and open trade among us. All parties need to avoid protectionism,” she argued.
She also suggested that the G7 connect the crises in Iran and Ukraine, where drones supplied to Russia by Iran’s clerical regime have been deployed.
“The same kind of Iranian-designed drones and ballistic missiles are hitting cities in both Ukraine and Israel indiscriminately. Thus, these threats must be addressed in tandem,” she commented.
Among the invited guests is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who hopes to engage with Mr. Trump, following public disparagement during their previous meeting on February 28.
Mr. Trump had aimed to pressure Ukraine into a swift agreement with Russia but is frustrated with President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to entertain U.S.-led calls for at least a temporary ceasefire.
Trump spoke with President Putin on Saturday regarding both the Israel-Iran situation and Ukraine.
However, Mr. Macron expressed skepticism about Putin’s ability to mediate in the Middle East.
The French president traveled to Kananaskis after a stop in Greenland, where he criticized Trump’s threats to seize the Danish autonomous territory.
“That’s not how allies behave,” he remarked.
Mr. Trump, for his part, arrived at the summit following a military parade in Washington that coincided with his birthday, amidst nationwide protests against actions perceived as increasingly authoritarian.
