Israel-Iran flare-up, trade wars set to dominate G7 Summit agenda in Canada

World leaders from the biggest economies are meeting for a high-stakes Group of Seven (G7) summit amid conflicts across the globe. The event is taking place in Kananaskis, Alberta, and is being hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The summit is likely to be overshadowed by an escalating Israel-Iran conflict and US President Donald Trump’s unresolved trade war.

These two major issues are expected to dominate the discussions. The crisis between Israel and Iran intensified after Israel launched attacks forcing Iran to retaliate. Many global leaders were surprised by the scale and speed of the conflict. A US official told the Associated Press that President Trump rejected an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicating how far Israel was willing to go.

TRUMP’S UNPREDICTABLE ROLE

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he spoke to both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ease tensions. "I expect intense discussions will continue at the summit," Starmer said.

Prime Minister Carney has already made changes to the summit's format by cancelling the usual joint statement issued at the end. With many leaders planning to meet Trump one-on-one, the summit may look more like a series of private talks than a unified front, reported AP.

Trump is one of the unpredictable factors in the summit. His recent comments -- like joking about making Canada the 51st US state or taking over Greenland -- have fuelled criticism. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron responded sharply, saying Greenland "is not to be sold, not to be taken."

Trump is expected to meet Prime Minister Carney on Monday morning before formal discussions begin. Other countries invited to attend the summit include India, Ukraine, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, and the UAE.

TRADE TALKS AND TENSIONS OVER CANADA

Trade remains will be another key issue. When asked if he planned to announce any trade deals during the summit, Trump said, "We have our trade deals. All we have to do is send a letter, 'This is what you’re going to have to pay.'" He hinted that new deals are on the way.

However, not all leaders are eager to engage in Trump’s unpredictable style. Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrtien advised leaders to stay calm if Trump behaves aggressively. "He tends to be a bully," Chrtien said. "Let him do it and keep talking normally."

The United Kingdom signed a trade deal with the US to reduce tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum, but it is yet to take effect. British officials say they aren’t worried the US might back out.

Before the summit, Starmer visited Carney in Ottawa for talks focused on security and trade. It was the first time in eight years that a British prime minister visited Canada.

Meanwhile, many Canadians are upset that Starmer hasn’t attacked Trump's comments on Canada as a US state. When asked directly, Starmer said, "Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a much-valued member of the Commonwealth."

UKRAINE CONFLICT ALSO ON THE AGENDA

The ongoing war in Ukraine is expected to be one of the most closely watched topics at the summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is likely to meet with Donald Trump after an encounter at the Oval Office. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

Despite the challenges, German officials said the summit shouldn’t be seen as a "six against one" event. But as Chrtien put it, "The only problem you cannot forecast is what the president of the United States will do depending on the mood and the need to be in the news."