Carney Supports Iran Breakthrough as G7 Leaders Gather in France

A major diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East has set the stage for critical talks at this year’s G7 summit.

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in France on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Iran had reached an agreement aimed at ending the conflict in the region. As world leaders gathered in Évian-les-Bains, Carney signalled that Canada is prepared to help protect global trade routes if the agreement moves forward.

Canada Ready to Support Strait of Hormuz Security

Speaking before departing Ireland for the summit, Carney welcomed the reported progress between the United States and Iran.

He said Canada could work with its allies to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

The waterway has remained a key concern for global markets because any disruption can affect oil supplies and international trade. Therefore, Carney stressed the need for stronger and more resilient commodity systems.

He added that G7 leaders would discuss ways to reduce the impact of future geopolitical shocks on the global economy.

Diplomatic Momentum Builds Ahead of G7 Talks

Carney’s arrival in France followed several days of diplomatic meetings across Europe.

Last week, he met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Afterwards, he travelled to Ireland, where he held talks with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly. During the visit, he also toured the village where his grandparents once lived before emigrating to Canada.

Upon arriving in Geneva, Carney travelled by helicopter to the summit venue in Évian, where leaders from the world’s largest economies are meeting for three days of discussions.

Canada Scores Defence Procurement Win

Before the opening dinner, Carney met European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

At the meeting, he announced a significant milestone for Canadian industry.

Montreal-based Marconi Technologies became the first Canadian company to secure a contract through the European Union’s SAFE defence procurement program.

Canada joined the agreement earlier this year, becoming the only non-European country participating in the initiative.

G7 Leaders Welcome Iran-U.S. Agreement

Meanwhile, Canada joined France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in issuing a joint statement supporting the proposed Iran-U.S. agreement.

The leaders described the development as an opportunity to improve regional stability and strengthen the global economy.

They also called for detailed negotiations to conclude quickly and urged all parties to fully implement the agreement.

In addition, the leaders emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must reopen to commercial shipping. They pledged support for defensive operations designed to reassure shipping companies and clear any maritime hazards.

Focus Remains on Iran’s Nuclear Program

Despite the positive tone, world leaders made it clear that concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain.

The joint statement reaffirmed that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Furthermore, leaders expressed their willingness to work with Iran, the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure compliance.

They also signalled that sanctions could be eased if Iran takes clear and verifiable steps regarding its nuclear program.

At the same time, the statement reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and ongoing ceasefire efforts in the region.

Carney Calls for Continued Dialogue

In a message posted on social media, Carney urged all parties to continue negotiations in good faith.

He said any lasting ceasefire must guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz while addressing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.

Moreover, he encouraged leaders to avoid actions that could escalate tensions during the negotiation process.

Key Meetings Planned During the Summit

The summit agenda remains packed for Carney.

On Tuesday, he is expected to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

In addition, he will participate in discussions on Ukraine, the Middle East and international development.

Artificial intelligence regulation will also feature prominently during the meetings.

Trade Criticism Emerges at Home

Back in Canada, Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar criticized Carney’s international travel schedule.

He argued that recent overseas visits have not produced a new trade agreement with the United States or delivered concrete benefits for Canadian workers in industries such as steel, aluminum, forestry and automotive manufacturing.

Nevertheless, federal officials are expected to continue trade discussions with U.S. representatives on the sidelines of the summit.

Child Online Safety Added to G7 Agenda

Beyond international security and economic issues, leaders will also discuss online safety for children.

The topic comes as Canada moves forward with proposed legislation that would require social media companies to block users under 16. The bill would also introduce new rules for artificial intelligence chatbots.

Support for age-based social media restrictions continues to grow worldwide. Countries including Australia, France, Britain, Spain, South Korea and Brazil are exploring or implementing similar measures.

At the same time, the federal government is preparing additional privacy legislation aimed at strengthening protections for children’s personal data.

A Summit Shaped by Global Challenges

Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, this year’s G7 summit focuses on economic imbalances, security challenges and technological change.

Unlike previous gatherings, leaders will not release a traditional joint communiqué. Instead, France plans to issue a series of statements throughout the summit.

As discussions continue, attention remains fixed on the Iran-U.S. agreement and its potential impact on global stability, energy markets and international trade.