Canada: The intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran has taken center stage on the global diplomatic platform, as G7 leaders gather in Canada amidst one of the most volatile escalations in the region in recent decades. The violent exchanges characterized by missile strikes, strategic military operations, and rising civilian casualties have raised alarms worldwide, prompting urgent calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.
In a major military move, Israel launched a preemptive and large-scale strike on Iranian soil under “Operation Rising Lion,” reportedly targeting nuclear facilities and military command centers. The airstrikes led to the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials and nuclear scientists, causing Tehran to vow a forceful retaliation. Iran responded over the weekend with a wave of missile attacks on Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Bnei Brak, claiming to have successfully breached Israeli air defense systems through a “new method.” The missile barrage resulted in three civilian deaths, multiple injuries, and fires that engulfed parts of a power station in Haifa.
The Iranian government, communicating through Qatari and Omani intermediaries, made it clear that no ceasefire discussions would take place until Tehran had completed what it calls its "military response phase." This position effectively places any hope of immediate diplomatic engagement on hold, leaving room only for speculation as to how much further the conflict might escalate before cooler heads prevail.
Meanwhile, the G7 summit convened in Canada with the Israel–Iran war placed high on the agenda. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for unity among world leaders to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a full-scale regional or nuclear war. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of balancing support for Ukraine while also addressing the dangers of instability in the Middle East. These voices underline the gravity of the situation and the potential global consequences if hostilities continue unchecked.
Economically, the situation has already sent tremors across markets. Oil prices surged as fears of disruption to the Strait of Hormuz—the key artery for global oil shipments—sparked investor panic. Brent crude surpassed $74 a barrel, while safe-haven assets like gold and the U.S. dollar saw strong upward momentum. Stock exchanges across the Gulf suffered significant losses, with Kuwait’s index falling over 4%, echoing the anxiety felt throughout the region.
In Washington, President Trump reiterated his administration’s support for Israel's right to defend itself, while carefully distancing the U.S. from direct involvement. According to sources, Trump reportedly blocked a proposed Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, signaling a desire to prevent irreversible escalation. Nevertheless, the absence of U.S. mediation leaves a notable vacuum in what many experts believe is a crucial moment for high-stakes diplomacy.
As of now, both Israel and Iran seem entrenched in a cycle of retaliation. While global leaders scramble for solutions in Canada, the people of the Middle East remain on edge, bracing for what could become a broader regional war. Whether diplomatic pressure from the G7 can reverse this dangerous course remains uncertain—but the stakes could not be higher.