G7 Summit Opens in Canada Addressing Iran Conflict, US Trade War

The 2025 Group of Seven (G7) summit has opened in Canada, focusing on critical global issues such as the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, U.S. tariffs, and broader geopolitical tensions including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized priorities like peace and security, critical mineral supply chains, and job creation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and supporting Israel's right to self-defense. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed significant tariffs on multiple nations, risks exacerbating a global economic slowdown and has indicated possible new trade deals during the summit. The 2018 G7 summit in Canada was marked by Trump's defiant stance against the joint communique over tariffs, a dynamic that remains relevant as the current summit seeks to avoid similar discord. Additional challenges discussed include climate change, immigration, drug trafficking, advancements in artificial intelligence, and China’s dominance in manufacturing and supply chains. The summit also includes invitations to non-G7 countries to foster broader cooperation amid these complex issues.