The upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, will be dominated by the unfolding Israel-Iran conflict and the uncertainty surrounding United States policy under President Donald Trump. Experts say the crisis in the Middle East will take center stage, with leaders grappling with the potential for further escalation and its implications for global peace and security.
The G7 grouping of advanced economies, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, will meet from June 15 to 17 to discuss pressing issues. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is hosting the summit, had hoped to showcase his leadership on the global stage, but the current crisis will likely overshadow other agenda items.
The recent Israeli assault on Iranian military and nuclear sites has prompted retaliatory strikes from Iran, raising concerns about a potential all-out war in the Middle East. Trump told reporters that the US was informed of the Israeli attack in advance, but the US declaration of non-involvement has added to the uncertainty. Robert Rogowsky, a professor of trade and economic diplomacy, believes this will be a major topic of discussion, with leaders questioning Trump’s approach to negotiations and de-escalation.
The G7 was designed to be a crisis response group, and this meeting comes at a critical time. Julia Kulik, director of strategic initiatives for the G7 Research Group, notes that the group’s ability to act quickly will be put to the test. Vina Nadjibulla, vice president and head of research at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, highlights the backdrop of economic disruptions and geopolitical shifts, including the global tariffs introduced by Trump and the “America First” message.
Carney has been working to set the stage for a consequential meeting, with priorities focused on strengthening global peace and security, spurring economic growth, and improving responses to wildfires. Conversations on global peace will likely pivot to Iran, with tough questions for Trump about his approach to negotiations and de-escalation. Nadjibulla praises Carney’s intentions, saying “building the economy is front and centre”.
The meeting will also be an opportunity for Carney to demonstrate Canada’s leadership in unity and multilateralism. Rogowsky sees Carney as a potential bridge builder, but notes that the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was recently berated by Trump and US Vice President JD Vance, will add tension to the discussions. The outcome of the summit remains uncertain, with Trump’s unpredictable nature making it a “coin flip”.