Trump Overshadows G7 in Canada as Iran, Tariffs Dominate/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The G7 summit opened in Canada under the shadow of escalating Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. trade wars. President Trump’s unpredictability and trade threats dominated discussions, while leaders braced for friction on Iran, Ukraine, and global economic policies.
G7 Summit Opens Amid Iran Crisis, Trade Tensions: Quick Looks
- G7 leaders gathered in Canada’s Rockies under cloud of Middle East conflict.
- Israel’s strikes on Iran and retaliations unsettle global leaders.
- Trump vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, AP reports.
- Canadian PM Mark Carney scrapped traditional G7 joint statement.
- Trump’s tariff threats, “51st state” comment, dominate summit atmosphere.
- French President Macron stops in Greenland to counter U.S. claims.
- Trump expected to meet with Zelenskyy, Carney, and Mexico’s president.
- Trump imposes broad tariffs, rattling Japan, Canada, Mexico, and EU.
- UK PM Starmer criticized for sidestepping Trump’s Canada remarks.
- Summit lacks unity, reflects deeper G7 strain under Trump’s leadership.
Trump Overshadows G7 in Canada as Iran, Tariffs Dominate
Deep Look
The 2025 G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, began under a storm cloud of global uncertainty, with the Israel-Iran conflict surging and U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade stance causing diplomatic strain. Leaders of the world’s top industrialized democracies arrived in the Canadian Rockies seeking cooperation but found themselves navigating unpredictable terrain dominated by conflict and confrontation.
Mideast Crisis Shapes Global Talks
The ongoing war between Israel and Iran has rattled the international community. Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and command centers prompted Tehran to retaliate with deadly missile barrages. The situation escalated rapidly and caught G7 leaders off guard.
A major revelation that Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei underscored how volatile the situation has become. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and others acknowledged holding emergency talks with Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to contain the crisis.
The conflict has quickly become a central issue at the summit, pushing trade and economic cooperation to the background.
Trump: The Summit Wild Card
President Trump arrived at the summit as the most unpredictable participant. Sporting his signature “Make America Great Again” cap, he was met by four Mounties. His past summit behavior—most infamously storming out of the 2018 G7 in Quebec—still lingers in memory.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is hosting the summit, has already taken preventive steps, scrapping the traditional G7 joint communique to avoid a repeat of past discord. Trump’s recent suggestions about annexing Canada as the “51st state” and acquiring Greenland drew sharp rebukes, particularly from French President Emmanuel Macron, who made a symbolic visit to Greenland before arriving in Canada.
“Greenland is not for sale or takeover,” Macron asserted, applauded by local residents.
Tensions Over Tariffs and Trade
Trade disputes loom large. Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and general imports, hitting key G7 partners like Japan, Canada, and the EU. These tariffs are billed as tools to secure more favorable trade deals, though they have sparked backlash.
Asked about trade deals on his way to the summit, Trump claimed: “We have our trade deals. All we have to do is send a letter: ‘This is what you’re going to have to pay.’”
Yet many leaders remain skeptical. Former Canadian PM Jean Chrétien advised Carney and others to ignore Trump’s theatrics. “He tends to be a bully,” Chrétien said. “Let him do his thing. Keep talking normally.”
While the UK has negotiated a deal reducing some tariffs, baseline 10% rates remain. Canada and Mexico still face up to 25% tariffs, ostensibly to curb fentanyl smuggling. Despite new frameworks, the uncertainty of Trump’s trade stance casts a shadow over economic negotiations.
G7 Unity Under Strain
Trump’s approach threatens the foundation of the G7: cooperation among allies. His administration’s aversion to multilateralism and preference for bilateral deals challenges the bloc’s purpose. As one analyst noted, Trump sees “no deal as better than a bad deal.”
The U.S. has offered no detailed G7 goals this year. German and Japanese officials privately acknowledge there’s little hope for consensus on climate, China, or Ukraine, given Trump’s positions. UK PM Starmer, trying to maintain strong ties with both Canada and the U.S., faced criticism for not confronting Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric.
Security and Bilateral Meetings
Beyond trade and Iran, other key issues include the war in Ukraine and global security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Trump at the summit, months after a tense Oval Office encounter. Trump also plans bilateral talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and host PM Mark Carney.
Tariffs remain a focal point. Japan, whose exports are hit hard, is especially vocal. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration claims tariffs will help finance domestic tax cuts—raising eyebrows among economists and allies alike.
Carney has expressed frustration, telling Canadian media that “we can no longer rely on the U.S. as an enduring partner.” Many leaders fear that Trump’s divide-and-conquer approach could further fracture the alliance.
G7 at a Crossroads
This year’s G7 is not merely a diplomatic event—it is a test of the group’s relevance in a fragmented geopolitical landscape. Once a bastion of Western unity, the summit now risks becoming a symbol of discord, as leaders grapple with war, tariffs, and the unpredictable dynamics of American leadership.
As the summit progresses, much hinges on Trump’s tone and decisions. Whether the G7 can present a unified front or be reduced to scattered bilateral deals remains to be seen.
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