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G7 Summit Focuses on Iran and Ukraine as France Seeks Unity with Trump

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France is preparing to host the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains from June 15–17, with the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine expected to dominate discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron has crafted a carefully balanced agenda aimed at maintaining unity among G7 leaders and avoiding tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Leaders from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt, have also been invited due to their involvement in regional security and mediation efforts.

A key focus will be the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Diplomats believe the atmosphere of the summit could depend heavily on whether Washington secures progress with Tehran before the meeting. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to push for stronger Western support as negotiations with Russia remain stalled and Ukraine intensifies drone attacks on Russian military and energy targets.

Beyond security concerns, G7 leaders will discuss economic challenges such as critical mineral supply chains, global trade imbalances, and reducing dependence on China. France has also encouraged broader discussions involving countries such as India, Brazil, Kenya, and South Korea. Rather than issuing a broad final communiqué, the summit is expected to produce targeted agreements on issues including critical minerals, migration, and international security cooperation.

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Kremlin Says No Putin-Trump Call Planned as Ukraine Mediation Remains on Hold

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The Kremlin said there are currently no plans for a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while direct mediation efforts on the Ukraine conflict remain paused, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner continue to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv.

According to Peskov, discussions between Russia and American negotiators are ongoing through existing channels, although no dates have been set for a possible visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Russia. Their earlier mediation efforts had stalled in February amid broader geopolitical tensions linked to military action against Iran.

The comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a recent conversation with Witkoff and Kushner as positive and expressed optimism about renewed peace efforts. Peskov also dismissed the prospect of European mediation, arguing that European leaders are more focused on supporting the continuation of the conflict rather than advancing peace negotiations.

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Russia and China Criticize U.S. ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield Plan

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Russia and China have jointly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over plans for the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, warning that it threatens global strategic stability. The statement came during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The project aims to expand missile interception capabilities through ground-based systems and space-based defense technologies designed to detect and potentially destroy incoming missile threats.

Moscow and Beijing argued that the proposed shield undermines the balance between offensive and defensive nuclear systems, which they say is essential for maintaining global security. The two countries also criticized Washington for allowing the 2010 New START nuclear arms treaty to expire without negotiating a replacement. Russia backed China’s stance against joining future U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control talks, while both nations accused the U.S. of pursuing destabilizing military strategies.

The joint statement also warned against the deployment of intermediate-range missiles and the use of preventive missile strikes aimed at disabling enemy forces before conflict begins. Adding to tensions, Russia released footage of military exercises involving the movement and deployment of nuclear warheads for Iskander-M missile systems across Russia and Belarus. The developments highlight growing geopolitical strains between major global powers over missile defense and nuclear security.

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Pope Leo to Visit UNESCO in France Amid Budget Struggles After U.S. Exit

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Pope Leo XIV will travel to France from September 25 to 28, with a key stop planned at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris. The visit comes as UNESCO faces financial pressure following the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the agency, resulting in a significant budget shortfall.

The Vatican said the pope is also expected to visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, which reopened in 2024 after restoration work following the devastating 2019 fire. Pope Leo may also meet French President Emmanuel Macron and could address the French parliament during the trip. The detailed itinerary will be announced later.

The France visit will be Pope Leo’s fourth international trip of the year and comes amid growing global attention on his leadership style and political comments, including criticism of the Iran conflict that reportedly angered Trump. The pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first American-born pope and also has French ancestry through immigrant roots in the United States.

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Canada Strengthens Arctic Defense Ties With Nordic Nations Amid Trump Pressure

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Canada is expanding its Arctic defense cooperation with Nordic countries as concerns grow over regional security and comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Greenland and Canada. Canadian officials and Nordic allies are increasing military coordination, intelligence sharing and Arctic preparedness amid rising tensions linked to Russia and growing Chinese activity in the region.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has strengthened partnerships with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on the United States for Arctic security. In March, Canada and the Nordic nations agreed to deepen cooperation in defense production, military procurement and cybersecurity. Discussions are also underway to help Greenland develop a local force modeled after Canada’s Rangers.

The renewed focus on Arctic alliances comes as climate change makes the region more accessible and strategically important. Experts say Russia maintains the strongest military presence in the Arctic, while China is increasing its involvement through partnerships and infrastructure projects. Despite Canada’s push for stronger Nordic ties, analysts note that cooperation with the United States through NORAD remains essential for large-scale Arctic defense operations.

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Germany’s Merz Says He Would Not Advise His Children to Live in the US

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would currently discourage his children from studying or working in the United States, pointing to what he described as a worsening social climate and shrinking opportunities even for highly educated professionals. Speaking at a Catholic convention in Wuerzburg, Merz said Germany now offers stronger prospects for young people.

His remarks come amid growing tensions between the United States and its European allies under President Donald Trump. Disagreements over trade, the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and NATO relations have strained ties between Washington and Berlin. Merz recently criticized the United States over the Iran conflict, while Washington responded with plans for partial troop withdrawals from Germany and increased tariffs on European Union car imports.

Although Merz described himself as a longtime admirer of America, he admitted that his opinion was changing. He said many highly educated Americans are struggling to find jobs and suggested the country’s environment has shifted rapidly. Trump has also criticized Germany under Merz, saying the chancellor should focus on fixing his own country before commenting on the United States.

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Pope Leo Slams Europe’s Military Build-Up, Calls It a Blow to Diplomacy

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Pope Leo XIV criticized Europe’s rising military spending, calling it a betrayal of diplomacy and warning that increased rearmament only fuels insecurity and conflict. Speaking to students at Rome’s Sapienza University, the pontiff said governments should not describe expanding arms budgets as “defence spending” when such investments reduce funding for education and healthcare while benefiting powerful elites.

The pope’s remarks come as European military expenditure reached its highest level since the Cold War, driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO members to increase defence budgets. Trump has pushed allies to raise military spending targets and recently prioritized U.S. weapons sales toward countries investing more heavily in defence.

Leo also warned against the growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare, pointing to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran as examples of technology making wars more inhumane. Urging students to reject divisive ideologies and nationalism, he appealed for global unity and encouraged young people to become “artisans of true peace.”

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Trump’s Greenland Interest Boosts Tourism and Investment More Than Mining

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Renewed global attention on Greenland following comments by Donald Trump about acquiring the Arctic territory is driving fresh business interest and investment opportunities. Danish export credit agency EIFO said tourism is likely to deliver quicker economic benefits and job creation for Greenland compared to large-scale mining projects, which still face regulatory and environmental challenges.

Officials say Greenland’s growing tourism sector could benefit from expanding infrastructure, including a new international airport near Ilulissat and improved facilities around Disko Bay, a region known for Arctic scenery, wildlife, and cruise tourism. EIFO is supporting studies focused on increasing visitor capacity, improving transport links, and distributing tourism activity more evenly across the island. Analysts believe the heightened international attention has created a stronger sense of urgency around investment opportunities in the region.

At the same time, interest in Greenland’s rare earth minerals and natural resources continues to grow, especially from the European Union and the United States. However, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressed that environmental protection would remain a top priority despite rising foreign interest. Experts say major mining projects may still require political guarantees and public-sector support before becoming commercially viable at scale.

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Merz Says Ties with Trump Remain Strong Despite Iran Dispute

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump remains positive despite a public disagreement over the Iran conflict. Speaking in Berlin, Merz acknowledged differences in opinion but stressed that communication between the two leaders continues.

The dispute highlights broader tensions between the United States and its European NATO allies over Iran, as well as ongoing concerns tied to the Ukraine war. Merz reiterated his skepticism about the Iran conflict from the beginning, emphasizing its economic consequences for Europe, particularly disruptions to energy supplies linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump recently criticized Merz, accusing him of being lenient on Iran’s nuclear ambitions—an accusation the German leader has denied, maintaining that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Despite the exchange, both sides continue diplomatic engagement, even as the conflict remains unresolved and continues to impact global markets.

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Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Angola on Africa Tour

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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola as part of his ongoing Africa tour, marking a key stop where he is expected to address the exploitation of natural resources in the oil-rich nation. The visit follows his time in Cameroon, where he held large public gatherings and delivered messages of hope amid regional conflict and hardship.

During his tour, the pope has adopted a more assertive tone on global issues, including inequality and war. Responding to criticism from Donald Trump, Leo clarified that his remarks about “tyrants” were not directed at the U.S. leader and emphasized that engaging in political disputes was not his intention.

In Angola, the pope is scheduled to meet João Lourenço and speak to political leaders about poverty and resource distribution. Despite its vast oil wealth, a significant portion of Angola’s population lives in extreme poverty. The visit is part of a wider, complex tour across four African nations, drawing large crowds and highlighting the pope’s growing global influence.

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