'A Contentious Time For The World': G7 Researcher On Hormuz, Iran And Global Stability

Last Updated:June 15, 2026, 16:45 IST

G7 Summit in France tackles Iran peace talks, West Asia crisis, energy security and economic instability, with Trump and outreach leaders like PM Modi joining key coordination.

As world leaders gather in France for the G7 Summit amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, the forum remains a crucial platform for international coordination and crisis management, according to Behram Hathi of the G7 Research Group at the University of Toronto.

Speaking to News18, Hathi said the summit comes at a particularly challenging moment for the international community, with concerns ranging from macroeconomic instability to developments in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz.

“It is certainly a contentious time in the world," Hathi said, noting that while the summit had been planned long before the latest geopolitical developments, leaders are now meeting at a time when diplomacy and coordination are urgently needed.

Iran Deal Likely To Shape Discussions

Hathi pointed to recent progress towards a potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran as one of the most significant developments ahead of the summit.

“We are very glad to see that there was a significant step towards a peace deal. We certainly hope that it goes ahead," he said.

While he was uncertain whether the issue would formally dominate the summit agenda, he said discussions around the conflict and its implications would almost certainly take place among leaders.

“The G7 has a mandate to promote peace around the world, and coordination between countries at the table will certainly happen," he said.

His remarks come as a dedicated session on the West Asia crisis is scheduled during the summit, with leaders expected to discuss regional security, energy supplies and the future of maritime trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s Diplomacy Under Spotlight

Hathi also said US President Donald Trump’s announcement of progress in negotiations with Iran ahead of the summit could provide an opportunity for broader consultations with world leaders.

“I think coordination between countries was something that was certainly lacking when the war began," he said.

According to Hathi, one of the G7’s greatest strengths today lies in its ability to bring leaders together at critical moments.

“Its biggest strength in today’s world is coordination between leaders. It remains an important place to make those discussions and decisions," he said.

Expanding Role Beyond G7 Members

The expert also highlighted the growing role of outreach partners at the summit, including India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among several invited leaders attending the gathering despite India not being a formal member of the G7.

“The mandate is expanding. Prime Minister Modi, for example, will be attending. The nature of the G7 is evolving with the world we now live in," Hathi said.

Leaders from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt are also expected to participate in discussions, further broadening the summit’s diplomatic footprint.

Focus on Coordination

According to Hathi, the summit’s value lies not only in formal communiques but also in the opportunity it provides for leaders to engage directly with one another on emerging crises.

With negotiations over Iran, energy security concerns, and global economic challenges all expected to feature prominently, the summit is likely to serve as a key venue for behind-the-scenes diplomacy and coordination among major powers and regional stakeholders.

As leaders assemble in France, attention will remain focused on whether the summit can help build consensus on some of the world’s most pressing geopolitical and economic challenges.

About the Author

Siddhant Mishra

Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively ...Read More

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