G7 Summit 2025: Leaders Gather to Address Global Issues
The G7 leaders are warning Iran that concessions will be needed at the negotiating table, or Israel may press home its military advantage. European leaders are concerned about the implications of a prolonged conflict, including the risk of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and sending oil prices soaring. A joint statement on the Iran-Israel crisis is being prepared, but the G7 leaders are divided on whether to call for a ceasefire.
The 51st G7 summit is underway in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, with leaders from the world's most powerful economies gathering to discuss pressing global issues, including the Israel-Iran crisis, US trade tariffs, and the Russia-Ukraine war.
The summit's agenda includes discussions on global trade, energy security, and digital transition, but the unfolding crisis in the Middle East is likely to dominate the talks. G7 leaders are expected to focus on the Israel-Iran conflict, with tensions running high after Israel's massive strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The US, UK, and EU are divided on how to approach the crisis, with the US not following the UK and EU's lead on imposing sanctions on Russia.
Other issues on the agenda include global trade, with the US imposing tariffs on G7 countries, and China's trade practices and expanding military presence in the East and South China Seas. The summit will also see meetings on the sidelines, including between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as a separate meeting of North American leaders on trade and border security.
US President Donald Trump has expressed regret over expelling Russia from the G7, calling it a "very big mistake". Trump also stated that he is a "tariff person" and that the US-Canada trade deal is achievable. He also suggested that China could join the G7, calling it "not a bad idea". European leaders at the G7 summit are trying to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, using Gulf leaders as intermediaries, but finding a common position may be difficult due to differing opinions among member countries.
As the G7 summit continues, leaders will face the challenge of finding common ground on the most pressing global issues. The meeting is seen as an opportunity for the G7 to respond quickly to international challenges and demonstrate its ability to act and adapt quickly. The outcome of the summit will be closely watched, as the world waits to see if the G7 can find a way to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing the global community.