Israel-Iran conflict expected to take centre stage at G7 summit in Canada

As world leaders convene for the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, on June 16, 2025, an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran will probably be one of the issues taking centre stage.

US President Donald Trump finds himself under intense scrutiny and pressure to address the volatile situation in the Middle East, with allies and adversaries alike watching his every move.

The recent missile strikes by Iran on Tel Aviv and Haifa, following Israeli attacks on Iranian targets, have heightened fears of a broader regional war, placing Trump in a delicate diplomatic position at this critical summit.

The Israel-Iran conflict

Israel launched a sweeping offensive on Iran beginning Friday, hitting more than 100 major targets, including nuclear facilities, missile sites, and key military figures.

Satellite imagery confirmed substantial damage at multiple locations within the Natanz nuclear site, though its primary enrichment plant appeared intact.

A nuclear research facility in Isfahan was also struck.

Among the dead are top Iranian military officials — including Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, and Gen Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — along with at least six senior nuclear scientists.

The strikes extended through the weekend into Monday, with the Israel Defense Forces claiming to have taken control of Tehran’s airspace.

The IDF said it had hit over 80 targets in the capital since Saturday, including Iran’s defence ministry headquarters and missile systems.

Iran accused Israel of targeting civilian areas in Tehran. The Iranian health ministry reported 224 fatalities since Friday. Two oil depots near Tehran were also hit, according to Iran’s oil ministry.

In response, Iran has launched multiple waves of missile attacks on Israel. At least 14 Israelis have been killed and 390 injured since Friday, authorities said.

A missile strike on the town of Tamra killed four women, while another in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, left six dead and at least 180 injured.

On Monday, further Iranian strikes hit Tel Aviv and Haifa, where a power plant was reported to be on fire. Casualties were expected to rise.

Trump’s position and past actions

President Trump has had a complex relationship with both Israel and Iran during his tenure.

Known for his strong support of Israel, including moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem and brokering the Abraham Accords, Trump has also taken a hardline stance against Iran.

His administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and the imposition of severe sanctions on Tehran were seen as attempts to curb Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions.

However, these policies have been criticized for escalating tensions rather than resolving them.

At the G7 summit, Trump faces pressure to clarify the US role in the current crisis.

While some allies urge a diplomatic approach to prevent further violence, others expect the U.S. to stand firmly with Israel.

The escalating conflict has cast a shadow over the summit, with leaders seeking a unified response to avert a regional catastrophe.

Trump’s recent statements warning Iran of unprecedented US military action if American interests are targeted have added to the uncertainty surrounding his strategy.

G7 leaders on the conflict

Leaders gathering for the G7 summit in Canada are confronting escalating instability in the Middle East and the prospect of surging energy prices, though it remained unclear at the summit’s outset how the issue would be formally addressed.

“This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before departing for Canada.

He outlined Germany’s key objectives as preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, avoiding further escalation, and preserving space for a diplomatic resolution.

“I would like to add that in Germany we are also getting ready in case Iran should target Israeli or Jewish targets in Germany,” Merz told reporters, declining to provide further details.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had discussed de-escalation efforts with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He added that “intense discussions” on the conflict would continue during the summit.

Disclaimer: Portions of this article were generated with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by the Invezz editorial team for accuracy and adherence to our standards.

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