G7 Leaders Urge Middle East De-escalation
G7 Leaders Call for Middle East De-escalation as Trump Leaves Summit Amid Israel-Iran Escalation
Leaders of the G7 nations have jointly called for a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
In a statement released late Monday, the group reaffirmed its “commitment to peace and stability in the region,” while also emphasizing that “Israel has a right to defend itself.”
The call for calm came as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fifth consecutive day of tit-for-tat strikes, raising global concerns about the risk of a wider regional war.
U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly departed the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on Monday night, citing urgent developments in the Middle East. “I have to be back early for obvious reasons,” Trump told reporters, offering little detail.
His early exit meant missing high-level meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and newly elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s departure was prompted by “what’s going on in the Middle East,” though she did not elaborate further.
The White House later stressed the President had a “great day” at the summit, highlighting progress on a new U.S.-UK trade agreement and discussions on global economic challenges.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of additional military assets to the Middle East to bolster American defensive capabilities.
However, officials denied any intention of the United States joining Israeli operations against Iran.
Trump, on his social media platform Truth Social, issued a stern warning to Iran, urging civilians in Tehran to “evacuate immediately” — a message that drew sharp international attention.
Hours later, Iranian state media reported explosions and anti-aircraft fire over the capital, while Israel confirmed a fresh wave of missile strikes targeting strategic sites, including Iran’s state-run broadcaster.
During one broadcast, an anchor was forced to flee live on air.
In Israel, air raid sirens sounded again in Tel Aviv, and explosions were heard as Iranian missiles targeted the city.
The Israeli government claims it has seized control of Iranian airspace since initiating its campaign last Thursday, which reportedly killed several top military officials and nuclear scientists.
Despite the intensity of the strikes, analysts say Israel has not yet succeeded in crippling Iran’s nuclear program.
Only the U.S., they argue, possesses the advanced bunker-busting capabilities necessary to reach deeply buried facilities like Fordow.
Iran’s Health Ministry reports at least 224 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes, while the Israeli government says 24 people have died on its side.
Despite initial signs of disagreement, G7 leaders ultimately issued a united statement on the crisis. “Iran remains the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the communiqué read.
“We have been consistently clear: Iran can never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.”
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed understanding over Trump’s early departure, saying, “If the United States can secure a ceasefire, that would be a significant step forward.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office also described the move as “understandable,” though it cut short a planned bilateral meeting on trade.
Trump reportedly considered rejecting the G7 statement on the Israel-Iran conflict, but ultimately signed on.
During the summit, he reiterated his stance that Iran should have accepted the nuclear deal he proposed, stating again: “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”
In a separate development, Trump expressed regret over Russia’s removal from the former G8, calling it a “big mistake” and claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin only communicates with him.
“Putin speaks to me. He doesn’t speak to anybody else,” Trump said. “He’s not a happy person about it.”
The summit did produce some concrete results. Trump finalized a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom, claiming it would shield the UK from future U.S. import tariffs. “You know why?” he added. “Because I like them.”
Trump also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with both leaders expressing hope for a new U.S.-Canada trade deal within 30 days to resolve ongoing tariff disputes.
This marks the second time President Trump has left a G7 summit early. In 2018, he departed the meeting in Quebec ahead of schedule to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to mount, world leaders and diplomats are watching closely to see whether the United States can exert influence to prevent further escalation—or whether the conflict will spiral into a broader regional war.
G7 Leaders Urge Middle East De-escalation