&w=3840&q=100)
G7 leaders meet in Canada amid West Asia crisis, US tariff concerns
Leaders of some of the world's biggest economic powers will arrive in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday for a Group of Seven summit overshadowed by a widening war across the Middle East and US President Donald Trump's unresolved trade war with allies and rivals alike.
Israel's strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation, which appeared to catch many world leaders unawares, is the latest sign of a more volatile world as Trump seeks to withdraw the US from its role as world policeman.
Speaking on a flight to Canada to attend the summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had discussed efforts to de-escalate the situation with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as other world leaders.
Britain is sending Royal Air Force jets and other military reinforcements to the Middle East.
We do have longstanding concerns about the nuclear program Iran has. We do recognise Israel's right to self-defense, but I'm absolutely clear that this needs to de-escalate. There is a huge risk of escalation for the region and more widely," Starmer said, adding he expected intense discussions would continue at the summit.
Trump is summit's wild card As summit host, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has decided to abandon the annual practice of issuing a joint statement, or communique, at the end of the meeting.
With other leaders wanting to talk to Trump in an effort to talk him out of imposing tariffs, the summit risks being a series of bilateral conversations rather than a show of unity.
Trump is the summit wild card. Looming over the meeting are Trump's inflammatory threats to make Canada the 51st state and take over Greenland. French President Emmanuel Macron is making a highly symbolic stop in Greenland on his way to Canada, meeting the Arctic territory's leader and Denmark's prime minister aboard a Danish helicopter carrier.
Macron, who is one of the very few leaders to have known Trump during his first term, was the first European leader to visit the White House after Trump took office, emerging unscathed from the Oval Office encounter.
But despite the two leaders' sporadic bromance, Macron's approach to Trump has failed to bear major results, with France caught up in the president's planned tariffs on the European Union.
Nor did it bring any US security guarantees for Ukraine despite Macron's efforts, together with Starmer, to build a coalition of nations that could deploy forces after any ceasefire with Russia, with the hope it would convince the Trump administration to provide backup.
Trump is scheduled to arrive late Sunday in Kananaskis, Alberta. Bilateral meetings between other leaders are possible Sunday, but the summit program does not get underway until Monday.
Peter Boehm, Canada's sherpa of the 2018 G7 summit in Quebec and veteran of six G7 summits, expects the heads of state to pivot discussion to devote more time to the war.
Leaders can accommodate a discussion, perhaps even a statement, Boehm said. The foreign policy agenda has become much larger with this.
He tends to be a bully Leaders who are not part of the G7 but have been invited to the summit by Carney include the heads of state of India, Ukraine, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Australia, Mexico and the UAE. Avoiding tariffs will continue to be top of mind.
Leaders, and there are some new ones coming, will want to meet Donald Trump, Boehm said. Trump doesn't like the big round table as much he likes the one-on-one.
Bilateral meetings with the American president can be fraught as Trump has used them to try to intimidate the leaders of Ukraine and South Africa.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrtien told a panel this week that if Trump does act out, leaders should ignore him and remain calm like Carney did in his recent Oval Office meeting.
He tends to be a bully, Chrtien said. If Trump has decided to make a show to be in the news, he will do something crazy. Let him do it and keep talking normally.
Starmer had a warm Oval Office meeting with the president in February, wooing Trump with an invitation for a state visit from King Charles III. Trump has praised the British prime minister, despite their political differences.
Zelenskyy expected to meet Trump Last month Britain and the US announced they had struck a trade deal that will slash American tariffs on UK autos, steel and aluminum. It has yet to take effect, however, though British officials say they are not concerned the Trump administration might go back on its word.
Starmer's attempts to woo Trump have left him in an awkward position with Canada, the UK's former colony, close ally and fellow Commonwealth member. Starmer has also drawn criticism especially from Canadians for failing to address Trump's stated desire to make Canada the 51st state.
Asked if he has told Trump to stop the 51st state threats, Starmer told The Associated Press: I'm not going to get into the precise conversations I've had, but let me be absolutely clear: Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a much-valued member of the Commonwealth.
The war in Ukraine will be on the agenda. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to attend the summit and is expected to meet with Trump, a reunion coming just months after their bruising Oval Office encounter which laid bare the risks of having a meeting with the U.S. president.
Starmer met with Carney in Ottawa before the summit for talks focused on security and trade, in the first visit to Canada by a British prime minister for eight years.
German officials were keen to counter the suggestion that the summit would be a six against one event, noting that the G7 countries have plenty of differences of emphasis among themselves on various issues.
The only the problem you cannot forecast is what the president of the United States will do depending on the mood, the need to be in the news," said Chretien.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Global energy crisis soon? As Israel targets Iran's South Pars gas field, oil prices may rise further to $200–$300 per barrel, warns Iraqi Minister. Here's what happened in Middle East conflict
The ongoing tension between Israel and Iran is raising fears of a global energy crisis . Iraq's foreign minister has warned that oil prices could rise sharply if the situation escalates, especially if vital energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz are blocked. Oil Price Could Surge Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that oil prices could increase to $200–$300 per barrel. He discussed this with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Hussein said that if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, oil exports could fall, affecting Iraq and other producers, an INA news agency report said. Impact on Global Energy Supply Hussein said that the closing of the Strait of Hormuz could remove five million barrels of oil per day from the market. Most of this oil comes from the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Such a disruption could cause serious economic effects, including higher inflation in Europe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Casas contenedor sustentables en Guayaquil (Consulta precios) Casas Contenedor | anuncios de búsqueda Undo Also Read: Israel Iran Conflict: Israel attacks refueling plane at Mashhad Airport and gas facility near Iran's southern coast. Here's why Warning on Regional Instability Hussein also warned that the Israel-Iran conflict might create inflation and economic problems for both producing and importing countries. Iraq, as a producer, could face issues if exports are delayed or stopped. Live Events Iraq Calls for International Response The Iraqi minister said that Israeli military actions in Iran violate international law and regional sovereignty. He called on the global community to condemn these actions. He stressed that continued conflict could harm regional and global stability. Israeli Strike Hits South Pars Gas Field Iran had to halt gas production at South Pars after an Israeli airstrike caused a fire. Phase 14 of the gas field was hit, stopping 12 million cubic metres of daily production. This was the first Israeli strike on Iran's energy infrastructure. Also Read: Iran Israel Airstrikes: Will US join war? Here's what Trump said and who can mediate to resolve conflict South Pars Gas Field's Strategic Role The South Pars field is shared by Iran and Qatar. It provides two-thirds of Iran's gas and is used for power, heating and industry. Iran produces around 275 bcm of gas yearly, mainly for domestic use. A smaller portion is exported to Iraq. Broader Energy Risks Qatar exports gas from the same field. An attack here signals economic targets are now part of the conflict. Oil prices rose 14% after Israel's initial strike. Analysts warn more attacks could affect Qatar's LNG operations, disrupting supplies further. Escalation May Deepen Crisis If key energy points like Kharg Island or the Strait of Hormuz are hit, oil and gas prices may increase sharply. Iran's domestic energy crisis is already deepening due to gas shortages and power cuts. The latest strike worsens this issue and may raise global prices. FAQs Why could oil prices rise to $300 per barrel? Oil prices could rise due to the Israel-Iran conflict disrupting exports from the Persian Gulf and closing key trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz. What is the importance of the South Pars gas field ? South Pars supplies two-thirds of Iran's gas. A strike there affects domestic supply, signals economic warfare, and raises risks for energy security worldwide.
Mint
26 minutes ago
- Mint
The US Rethink on Australia Submarines Is China's Win
The White House's review of the Aukus pact — a security arrangement between the US, UK and Australia — is rattling one of Washington's closest alliances, and playing right into China's hands. It sends yet another signal that America First might just mean everyone else alone. First announced by former President Joe Biden in 2021, the multibillion-dollar deal commits Washington and London to help Canberra develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines over a 30-year period. It was designed to help counter Beijing's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Donald Trump's administration has just put those plans in limbo. The review will determine whether Aukus is 'aligned with the president's America First agenda,' the Defense Department said, adding that it's also aimed at making sure allies contribute more to collective security and that the US's defense industrial base can meet domestic needs. These are valid concerns. American submarine production has been plagued by persistent delays and ballooning costs. Elbridge Colby, a top policy adviser who is expected to play a central role in the study, has long warned that the US could end up short on submarines at a critical moment in its deterrence strategy against China. In particular, Colby is worried about a hypothetical conflict around Taiwan. This is yet another example of the White House's pay-to-play approach to global partnerships, and how allies left out in the cold will have to navigate the new environment. 'Regardless of how this review goes, Australia should be reducing its dependence on US weapons and technology,' Michael Shoebridge, founder and director of Strategic Analysis, a Canberra-based political consultancy, told me. 'We are probably slower than others in realizing that America remains our most powerful partner, but we have to do more for ourselves.' European nations have already had a taste of what it means to be a US ally in Trump's world. At the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance chastised participants for not doing enough to bolster collective security. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a similar message to Asian partners at the Shangri-La conference, a regional security summit in Singapore. Countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea have long relied on America as a security guarantor, but now Washington wants them to carry more of the load and increase military budgets. Meeting with Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles on the sidelines, Hegseth told him that Canberra needs to up its military spending target to 3.5% of GDP. Currently, Australia is on track for about 2.4% by the mid 2030s, and has already committed to additional investment. For Beijing, each move that reduces the Trump administration's influence in the region is welcomed as a sign of disengagement. When Aukus was first announced, China expressed outrage at what it viewed as evidence of Washington's attempts at containment. On Thursday, the foreign ministry repeated its resistance to the pact, adding that it opposes 'anything that amplifies the risk of nuclear proliferation and exacerbates arms race.' A retooling of the treaty will reinforce the narrative Beijing has been pushing that the US is an untrustworthy partner. In all likelihood, Aukus will survive, but perhaps not in its current form. Canberra may be forced to make compromises, and offer concessions to Washington, including raising its defense capabilities. But even if the public rhetoric is one of long-term cooperation, Australia should begin weighing its options carefully. It could work more closely with other partners. In May, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, raised the prospect of a formal defense agreement between the trading bloc and Australia. While in reality this would be challenging given the number of countries involved, partnerships like this are worth exploring and should be pursued. The country has already begun strengthening defense ties with Japan through reciprocal access agreements, and worked with India under the Quad framework on maritime security and military exercises. These steps offer a foundation for a more multipolar security strategy, one that doesn't always lean so heavily on Washington's shifting priorities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to meet Trump on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Group of Seven meeting in Canada, where they're likely to tackle trade and defense spending. This is a golden opportunity to impress upon the American president the benefits of committing to Aukus — chief among them, maintaining American influence in the Indo-Pacific. Whether the US leader reaffirms the pact or reshapes it, this review should serve as a wake-up call. For Australia, it's a reminder that even the closest alliances are only as stable as the political moment that defines them. More From Bloomberg Opinion: America will sell Australia between three and five Virginia-class, conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, with the first deliveries expected as soon as the early 2030s. In the longer term, Australia plans to build its own next-generation submarines in partnership with the UK, using American technology, to be completed in the 2040s. This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Karishma Vaswani is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China. Previously, she was the BBC's lead Asia presenter and worked for the BBC across Asia and South Asia for two decades. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Donald Trump's Hollywood cameo mercilessly mocked during ‘No Kings' protest: ‘You s***ed'
President Donald Trump was mercilessly mocked during the 'No Kings' protest on Saturday. A protester took a brutal dig at the president's cameo in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, holding a sign that read: 'You su**ed in Home Alone 2'. Trump made a seven-minute cameo in the film alongside a 12-year-old Macaulay Culkin, who was playing Kevin McCallister. The sign went viral during one of the thousands of 'No Kings' protests that took place across the country. Organizers said over five million people took part in the protests. The demonstrations took place on Trump's birthday and the US Flag Day. The president hosted the largest US military parade in decades on his 79th birthday. Read More: What is 'Theratrumpy'? Old man at 'No Kings' protest in California beats Trump doll to get his anger out; Watch However, his celebrations were marred by hundreds of thousands of 'No Kings' protestors in the streets of metros including New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Atlanta. Trump, speaking at an event, warned US' adversaries of "total and complete" defeat, with Washington increasingly at risk of entanglement in Israel's conflict with Iran. "Time and again, America's enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you," Trump said. Several celebrities also took part in the protests, including prominent Trump critics - Mark Ruffalo, Susan Sarandon, Lin‑Manuel Miranda, Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, Amy Schumer, Padma Lakshmi, and Alec Baldwin. In Washington, DC, President Trump's parade featured roughly 6,600 troops, 128–150 tanks and armored vehicles, 50 aircraft, and fireworks. Read More: 'No Kings' protestors rally ahead of Trump's parade: 'No crown for clown' In Salt Lake City, at least one person was critically injured and three people were taken into custody, police said. Meanwhile, a Democratic lawmaker and her husband were killed in Minnesota on Saturday. Trump was quick to condemn the attacks outside Minneapolis in which former state speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while another state lawmaker and his wife were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The suspect, identified as Vance Boelter, is still at large.
