The G7 summit in Canada is underway, with leaders set to discuss pressing issues like the Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. tariffs. Efforts will be made to avoid disagreements with the U.S. President, who has previously criticized the host nation.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined his priorities as strengthening peace and security, building critical mineral supply chains, and creating jobs. However, discussions are expected to focus heavily on Trump’s tariffs and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran has escalated the conflict, which began with an Israeli offensive last Friday, resulting in a rising death toll.

According to a G7 official, leaders are planning to release a joint statement urging de-escalation of the conflict.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his objectives for the summit include preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, ensuring Israel’s right to self-defense, avoiding escalation, and fostering diplomacy.

“This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit,” Merz said.

Iran has consistently asserted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, a claim supported by U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency, which have stated that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

During the last Canadian-hosted summit in 2018, Trump departed early and subsequently criticized then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, labeling him “very dishonest and weak.” He also instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its endorsement of the final statement.

“I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communiqué as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!” Trump posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the time.

A memorable image from that summit depicted Trump seated with his arms crossed while then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel glared at him.

This year, Trump’s tariffs on numerous nations pose a threat of a global economic slowdown, and the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and now between Israel and Iran, continue without resolution.

Other significant issues for world leaders include immigration, drug trafficking, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Diplomats have reported that Canada has opted for chair summaries instead of a traditional comprehensive joint communiqué, in an effort to prevent a diplomatic breakdown and maintain cooperation with the U.S.

A senior Canadian official informed reporters that Ottawa aims to concentrate on collaborative actions among the seven member nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.

When asked about potential trade agreements at the summit as he was leaving the White House on Sunday, Trump responded: “We have our trade deals. All we have to do is send a letter, ‘This is what you’re going to have to pay.’ But I think we’ll have a few, few new trade deals.”

The U.K. has established a trade framework with the U.S., including quotas to safeguard against certain tariffs, but the 10% baseline will remain.

A senior U.S. official mentioned on Friday that discussions would encompass trade and the global economy, critical minerals, migrant and drug smuggling, wildfires, international security, artificial intelligence, and energy security.

“The president is eager to pursue his goals in all of these areas, including making America’s trade relationships fair and reciprocal,” the official stated.

Trump is scheduled to have at least three bilateral meetings during the summit with other leaders, including Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Reuters and

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