Iran-Israel Conflict Overshadows G7 Summit in Canada

As world leaders gather in the serene alpine town of Kananaskis, Canada for the G7 Summit 2025, the escalating confrontation between Iran and Israel has rapidly emerged as the summit’s dominant and most contentious issue. What was once a routine annual discussion on climate policy, global finance, and AI regulation has now turned into a high-stakes diplomatic battleground.

A Crisis at the Heart of the Agenda

Diplomats from the G7 nations – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US – are facing mounting pressure to respond to Israel’s recent unilateral military action against Iranian targets. Though the strikes were reportedly preemptive, aimed at dismantling perceived threats, they have provoked widespread international concern, with critics questioning the legality and proportionality of the response.

Germany’s Friedrich Merz, speaking on behalf of the European delegation, emphasized that the G7 will prioritize de-escalation efforts. However, he maintained the group’s longstanding support for Israel’s right to defend itself. “Our aim is to reduce tensions without compromising the security of any state,” Merz stated. “But we cannot ignore the complexity of the situation or the responsibility of all actors involved.”

Unilateral Action Raises Global Eyebrows

Despite calls for calm, the summit has drawn criticism for what many see as a diplomatic blind spot: the lack of scrutiny over Israel’s decision to act without international consultation. The strikes, which reportedly targeted military installations in Iran, were not coordinated with G7 allies nor endorsed by the UN Security Council. This unilateralism has unsettled leaders in the Global South and prompted backlash from some civil society groups.

“Sidestepping this fact undermines the credibility of Western diplomacy,” said a senior analyst from Al Jazeera, whose reporting brought attention to the issue. “The G7 risks looking complicit if it does not hold all parties accountable.”

Behind Closed Doors: Strained Unity

While public statements emphasize unity, reports from inside the summit suggest divisions are simmering. France and Italy have privately expressed concern over the precedent set by unprovoked military action, fearing it could further destabilize the Middle East and spark wider regional conflict.

At the same time, US President Joe Biden faces internal political pressure to continue supporting Israel unequivocally, especially in an election year. That stance, however, may clash with European calls for more balanced mediation and respect for international norms.

What Comes Next?

With the G7 summit only just underway, it remains to be seen whether a formal joint statement will address the Iran-Israel confrontation in specific terms or rely on the usual diplomatic language of “restraint” and “dialogue.” What is certain, however, is that the world is watching.

As tensions escalate and the stakes rise, this summit may become a defining moment not only for G7 diplomacy but also for the future of international conflict resolution. For now, leaders walk a fragile tightrope — between solidarity and scrutiny, between defense and diplomacy.