The G7 summit in Canada has been unexpectedly dominated by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, pushing other critical global issues to the periphery. European leaders are keenly focused on understanding the US President’s strategy for the region and his optimistic predictions of an imminent peace deal.
The severity of the military exchanges and the increasing human cost have prompted European nations to seek clarity on whether the US President intends to facilitate a ceasefire or allow the conflict to escalate further. This includes questions about his willingness to influence Israel’s actions, given Jerusalem’s stated aim to dismantle Iran’s security apparatus.
The immediate impact of the hostilities is evident in the cancellation of scheduled US-Iran talks on Tehran’s nuclear program. A crucial hurdle for any future diplomatic efforts remains the US’s firm stance against Iran’s domestic uranium enrichment, a position that has consistently stalled previous negotiations.
To avoid public disagreement, the summit host has reportedly abandoned the idea of a joint communique, opting instead to focus on topics like critical mineral supply lines and artificial intelligence. However, European leaders are united in their desire to find a common approach to Iran that moves beyond general calls for de-escalation and restraint.