G7 Leaders Challenge Trump’s Israel-Iran Peace Vision Amid Escalating Conflict

European leaders arriving at the G7 summit in Canada are poised to confront the US President over his strategy regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The key point of contention is the President’s assertion of “peace soon,” which appears to be at odds with the worsening military exchanges and rising death toll in the region. Leaders aim to understand the basis for this confidence and whether the US will leverage its influence to secure a ceasefire.
The intensifying hostilities have unexpectedly dominated the G7 agenda, overshadowing prior concerns like the war in Ukraine and trade tariffs. This shift highlights the immediate global economic implications of a wider conflict in the Middle East. While a joint statement calling for de-escalation is possible, varying degrees of support for Israel’s actions among G7 nations present a challenge to a unified front.
A return to diplomatic channels could pave the way for rescheduled talks between the US and Iran on its civil nuclear program, which were abruptly canceled after Israel’s recent assault. However, a significant hurdle remains the US’s insistence that Iran forgo domestic uranium enrichment, a demand Iran has previously rejected.
Despite the Canadian hosts attempting to steer the summit towards topics like critical minerals and AI to avoid public disagreements, the Israel-Iran situation remains paramount. European leaders, remembering past challenges in pressuring the US on the Ukraine conflict, are seeking a clear de-escalation plan beyond simply weakening Iran.