G7 Leaders Meet in Canada Amid Middle East, Trade Tensions

The Group of Seven leaders convened in the Canadian Rockies for a summit overshadowed by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, and ongoing trade disputes involving US President Donald Trump. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney aimed to focus on peace, security, critical mineral supply chains, and job creation, while managing the risk of clashes with Trump, who has previously caused disruptions at similar gatherings. The summit was marked by the absence of a traditional joint communique due to disagreements, with Canada opting instead for chair summaries and selected statements on specific issues. French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Greenland prior to the summit symbolized European unity in response to Trump's expressed interest in the territory, which both Greenland and Denmark have rejected. Other key agenda items included the war in Ukraine, migration, and global trade tensions, with European leaders pushing for tighter sanctions on Russia. The summit's format suggested a shift toward bilateral discussions amid concerns that Trump's policies and rhetoric might hinder unified action among the world's largest economies.