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Sunday 22/02/2026

G7 Summit Overshadowed by Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

World leaders discussing Israel-Iran conflict at G7 Summit
James OkoroJames Okoro

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The G7 summit in Canada is overshadowed by the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, shifting focus from other global issues.
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is advocating for de-escalation and diplomacy, amid heightened travel warnings for Britons.
  • European leaders aim to press US President Donald Trump on his strategy regarding the Middle East tensions.
  • The conflict risks destabilizing global security and economic stability, with potential impacts on oil prices.
  • The summit will likely avoid a joint communique, opting for concise statements to maintain consensus.

The G7 summit, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, is being dominated by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Originally intended to address issues such as energy security and digital transitions, the summit's agenda has been dramatically altered by the Middle East tensions, drawing the attention of world leaders to the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.

Diplomatic Push for De-escalation

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has embarked on a diplomatic mission to mitigate the crisis, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation. In discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Starmer reiterated the UK's commitment to diplomacy as the path to peace. The UK Foreign Office has issued severe travel warnings, advising against travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories due to the volatile situation.

European Leaders Seek Clarity from Trump

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are expected to challenge US President Donald Trump on his Middle East strategy. Trump's optimistic remarks about a potential ceasefire have been met with skepticism, as the conflict intensifies. The leaders are keen to understand whether Trump will leverage his influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to broker peace or allow the conflict to continue.

Global Security and Economic Concerns

The Israel-Iran hostilities pose significant risks to global security and economic stability. The potential for the conflict to escalate further could lead to soaring oil prices and broader economic repercussions. The G7 leaders are aware of these risks and are striving to find a unified approach to manage the situation.

A Shift in Summit Dynamics

In an effort to avoid public disputes, the Canadian hosts have decided against issuing a joint communique, opting instead for short, action-oriented statements. This approach aims to maintain consensus among the leaders while sidestepping divisive issues. The summit, originally planned to celebrate the G7's 50th anniversary, now finds itself grappling with one of the most pressing international crises.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The outcome of the G7 summit could significantly influence the trajectory of the Israel-Iran conflict. Should the leaders succeed in persuading Trump to adopt a more diplomatic stance, it may pave the way for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations. However, failure to reach a consensus could exacerbate tensions, with potential ramifications for global security and economic stability. Experts suggest that the summit's ability to foster a unified response will be crucial in determining the next steps in this volatile situation.