G7 Leaders Open Day One of Summit with Global Tensions, Trade Disputes, and Sharp Words from Trump.
As the first official day of the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit got underway in Kananaskis, Alberta, U.S. President Donald Trump dominated headlines with pointed remarks on the Israel-Iran conflict, trade tensions with Canada, and past decisions that he claims set the stage for today’s global crises.
Trump on Israel-Iran War: “Iran is not winning this war.”
Amid fears that the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran could draw the West into another major war in the Middle East, President Trump offered characteristically blunt commentary.
Asked what it would take for the United States to become militarily involved, Trump sidestepped specifics, saying only, “I don’t want to talk about that.”
However, when asked about reports that Iran is seeking to de-escalate, Trump offered a mix of warning and blame. “Yeah, they (Iran) would like to talk. They should have done that before. I had 60 days, on the 61st day, I said we don’t have a deal. It is painful for both parties, but I will say Iran is not winning this war. They should talk, and they should talk immediately before it is too late.”
His comments come as G7 leaders begin closed-door discussions on how to contain the conflict and manage its potential impact on global security and energy markets.
Russia, the G8, and Trump’s Revisionist Take
In an unexpected turn, Trump used the summit to revisit the G7’s past, blaming former U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for removing Russia from what used to be the G8.
“The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn’t want Russia in, and I will say that was a big mistake. I think we wouldn’t have a war right now if we had Russia in. And I think we wouldn’t have had a war if we had Trump as a president four years ago,” Trump stated.
Although Trump was not yet in politics when Russia was ejected in 2014 over the annexation of Crimea, he claimed he “was very loud about it” and continues to argue that isolating Moscow created a geopolitical vacuum that has worsened global instability.
His remarks are expected to draw sharp responses from European leaders, many of whom remain firmly opposed to any normalization with Moscow without accountability for its actions in Ukraine.
Trade Talks with Canada: “I’m a tariff person”
Beyond foreign policy, Trump also addressed ongoing trade discussions between the U.S. and Canada, calling them a priority. He acknowledged that tensions remain between his preference for tariffs and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s broader approach.
“Our primary focus will be trade and trade with Canada. I’m sure we can work something out,” Trump said, before elaborating on the sticking points. “I think we have different concepts. I have a tariff concept; Mark has a different concept which some people like. I’m a tariff person. It is simple, it is easy, it is precise.”
Despite the divergence, Trump remained optimistic that a deal was achievable. “Yeah, it is achievable. Both parties have to agree, yeah sure,” he added.
Canadian officials have not yet responded to Trump’s comments, but sources say the two sides will meet again later today to narrow the gap between their trade philosophies.
As the summit continues, leaders are expected to engage on climate resilience, AI governance, and efforts to build new global partnerships. The world is watching Kananaskis not just for agreements, but for signs of division.
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