President Donald Trump attended the G7 summit in Canada, where discussions centered on pressing global issues, particularly the conflict between Israel and Iran. This summit, which began on a Monday morning, was Trump’s first as president during his second term. However, he left unexpectedly after just one day of meetings.
One major topic at the summit was the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Israel had recently launched preemptive strikes against Iran, raising concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump expressed his strong stance on this issue, stating on social media that "Iran can not have a nuclear weapon" and urging people in Tehran to evacuate.
During the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged Trump’s views on China’s trade policies, agreeing with him that China has been disregarding global trade rules. She pointed out that focusing on tariffs among allies diverts attention from the real challenge posed by China’s trade practices.
Von der Leyen highlighted China’s restrictions on exporting critical raw materials, which are essential for various industries, including automotive and renewable energy. She accused China of using its production capabilities as a weapon against competitors.
The summit was expected to address trade, the war in Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East. However, the focus shifted significantly towards Israel and Iran following the recent military actions. Trump’s departure from the summit was abrupt, as he returned to Washington, D.C., citing the need to be present for ongoing developments.
In his brief time at the G7, Trump discussed the geopolitical situation with von der Leyen, emphasizing the need for close coordination, especially regarding energy markets and the war in Ukraine. He also reiterated his demand for a fair trade deal with the European Union, threatening to impose steep tariffs if an agreement was not reached soon.
Despite the challenges, Trump described the G7 as productive, stating that he accomplished what he needed to during his time there. As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, Trump is expected to monitor the situation closely from the White House.