Trump Departs G7 Summit Early to Tackle Israel-Iran Crisis, Secures US-UK Trade Deal

By: ProHonos Media™ | June 17, 2025

Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, —  U.S. President Donald Trump left the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, on June 16, citing the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which overshadowed discussions among world leaders. Despite his departure, Trump signed a landmark US-UK trade agreement, advanced trade talks with Canada and Japan, and endorsed a G7 joint statement on the Middle East, leaving a mixed legacy at the summit.

Photo: cpac.ca

Israel-Iran Conflict Takes Center Stage

The five-day-old conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by missile and drone exchanges, dominated the summit. Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, military sites, and state media have killed 224, while Iran’s attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa have claimed 24 lives (The Times of Israel, June 16, 2025). Trump’s Truth Social post on June 16, urging Tehran’s evacuation and insisting “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” intensified tensions (Axios, June 16, 2025).

After initial hesitation, Trump signed the G7 joint statement on June 16, supporting Israel’s self-defense, condemning Iran as a source of regional instability, and calling for de-escalation, including a Gaza ceasefire (BBC, June 16, 2025). Critics, including X users citing unverified ceasefire claims, called the statement weak for lacking enforcement mechanisms. Back in Washington on June 17, Trump convened a National Security Council meeting and tasked envoy Steve Witkoff with exploring talks with Iran, though no ceasefire has emerged (The New York Times, June 17, 2025). The U.S. has bolstered its regional presence, redirecting the USS Nimitz to the Middle East, but denies involvement in Israeli strikes (The Wall Street Journal, June 17, 2025).

US-UK Trade Deal: A Summit Highlight

Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer finalized a significant trade agreement on June 16, the first major deal of Trump’s second term (Reuters, June 16, 2025). The agreement eliminates U.S. tariffs on UK aerospace exports, benefiting companies like Rolls-Royce, and reduces tariffs on British cars, such as Range Rovers, from 25% to 10% for a 100,000-vehicle quota. A British airline’s $10 billion Boeing purchase, with duty-free Rolls-Royce engines, strengthens aerospace ties (The New York Times, June 16, 2025).

U.S. President Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the global G7 summit table (Photo: UK.GOV)

The deal also sets a quota for British steel and aluminum to enter the U.S. without 25% tariffs, pending finalization by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (BBC, June 16, 2025). Both nations agreed to reciprocal 13,000-metric-ton beef quotas and eliminated the UK’s 19% tariff on 1.4 billion liters of U.S. ethanol. However, a 10% U.S. tariff on most UK goods and unresolved pharmaceutical tariffs remain contentious. Starmer hailed the deal as a “huge win” for UK jobs, while Trump projected $11 billion in U.S. benefits, though critics note it doesn’t fully offset his broader tariff policies (Reuters, June 16, 2025).

US-Canada Trade Talks Gain Momentum

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to pursue an economic and security deal within 30 days, focusing on critical minerals, border security, and fentanyl smuggling (The Wall Street Journal, June 16, 2025). Canada’s $1.3 billion border plan and a 97% drop in fentanyl seizures from Canada in January 2025, possibly due to enhanced measures, signal progress (Reuters, June 16, 2025). However, U.S. 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum remain a sticking point. Canada’s retaliatory 25% tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods, effective March 4, underscore tensions (BBC, June 16, 2025). A framework has been exchanged, with talks set to continue before June 20.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister talk trade at the G7 summit

Japan Talks Focus on Auto Tariffs

In a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump discussed U.S. tariffs on Japanese auto imports (25% on cars, 24% on other goods), paused until July 9 (The New York Times, June 16, 2025). No deal was reached, but Japan offered increased U.S. investment and semiconductor cooperation, leveraging its $4 billion stake in U.S. plants owned by TSMC, the world’s leading semiconductor foundry, which produces chips for companies like Apple and NVIDIA (Reuters, June 16, 2025). The talks aim to avoid tariffs that could cost Japanese automakers $7 billion annually and raise U.S. car prices by $2,000–$3,000. Further discussions are planned before June 20.

Trump’s Departure: Strategic or Symbolic?

Trump’s exit disrupted meetings with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, and Australia’s Anthony Albanese, who sought to discuss Indo-Pacific security (The Times of Israel, June 16, 2025). Albanese called the departure “understandable,” but Australian critics labeled it a diplomatic failure (BBC, June 16, 2025). In Washington, Trump denied active ceasefire talks but expressed openness to Iranian outreach, suggesting a focus on projecting decisiveness (Axios, June 17, 2025). The lack of diplomatic progress in the Middle East has fueled uncertainty, with X posts reflecting polarized views on his strategy.

Summit Legacy and What’s Next

The G7 Summit showcased Trump’s ability to secure trade wins, notably with the UK, while advancing talks with Canada and Japan. His signing of the Middle East statement preserved G7 unity, but his departure underscored the Israel-Iran crisis’s urgency. As Japan’s July 9 tariff deadline and Canada’s 30-day trade timeline approach, Trump’s actions will shape global trade and Middle East stability. For now, the world watches as the U.S. navigates a volatile region.