All Eyes on Iran at the G7 Summit
The G7 summit, currently underway in Alberta, Canada, has brought together leaders from the world’s richest democracies to discuss a range of pressing global issues. At the top of the agenda is the ongoing conflict in Iran, with all eyes on whether the G7 nations can agree on a common position regarding the country’s nuclear programme.
According to the BBC, leaders arriving in Alberta face a packed schedule of meetings that could shape how the G7 responds to the conflict. However, divisions are likely to emerge over how to achieve the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The BBC reports that "all of the countries here don’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon. But divisions could quickly emerge when it comes to how to achieve that – and over the extent to which the G7 should push for de-escalation and restraint from Israel."
One member nation, Japan, could prove to be a sticking point in the discussions. As the BBC notes, Japan has traditionally been closer to Tehran than other G7 members and has condemned Israel’s strikes outright, whereas others have emphasised Israel’s right to defend itself. This summit will be a major test of the diplomatic skills of Mark Carney, Canada’s new prime minister, who is chairing his first global gathering.
Carney faces a complex balancing act, particularly in his dealings with the United States, still the G7’s most powerful member. As the BBC reports, Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and talk of annexing Canada have only added to the tension. With so much uncertainty surrounding the summit, there is a growing sense that leaders must use this opportunity to deliver some clarity on their position – or risk undermining the relevance of the G7 itself.
The G7 summit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Iran’s nuclear programme a major concern for the international community. As the BBC notes, the summit will be an important test of the G7’s ability to respond to global challenges and demonstrate its relevance in the modern world.
In a related development, Prime Minister Mark Carney has been meeting with other world leaders ahead of the summit, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A photo of the two leaders meeting has been released, showing Carney speaking during a bilateral meeting with Albanese in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on June 15, 2025.
The G7 summit is set to continue over the next few days, with leaders expected to discuss a range of issues, including the conflict in Iran, climate change, and global economic stability. As the BBC continues to report, the outcome of the summit will be closely watched by observers around the world.
