The leaders of the G7 nations have issued a joint statement calling for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East,” urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirming their support for regional peace and stability. Within this framework, they emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself.
US President Donald Trump departed the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, ahead of schedule, citing pressing matters related to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. His early exit came as Israel and Iran continued to exchange strikes for a fifth consecutive day. Trump told reporters he needed to return to Washington for “big stuff,” with sources confirming he had directed the National Security Council to convene upon his arrival.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment of additional military resources to the Middle East to strengthen America’s defensive stance. However, US officials dismissed claims that Washington was preparing to join Israel’s offensive against Iran.
Despite Trump’s early departure, the White House maintained he had a productive time at the summit, including finalizing a UK-US trade agreement. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt cited the crisis in the Middle East as the primary reason for Trump’s early return but did not provide further specifics.
Trump’s absence means he will miss key meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, both scheduled for the final day of the summit. Nevertheless, global leaders acknowledged the urgency of the situation, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing hope that the US could help broker a ceasefire.
In his social media posts, Trump reiterated his firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, declaring once again that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.” He also urged Iranian citizens to evacuate Tehran but did not elaborate on the reason behind the warning.
Meanwhile, air raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv as Iran launched another missile assault on Israel. The escalation follows a series of Israeli airstrikes that began last Thursday, targeting Iranian military installations and nuclear scientists. While Israel claims to have achieved significant military objectives, it has not succeeded in crippling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, especially the heavily fortified Fordow facility.
Military experts suggest only the US possesses the advanced bombers and munitions capable of breaching Iran’s most secure nuclear sites.
According to official sources, the conflict has resulted in at least 224 fatalities in Iran and 24 in Israel.
The G7 summit, marked by clear tensions over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, eventually yielded a unified statement. The communiqué condemned Iran as a major source of regional instability and reaffirmed that Tehran must never obtain nuclear weapons.
President Trump, speaking at the summit before his departure, criticized the 2014 decision to expel Russia from the then-G8, calling it a “big mistake.” He claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin still communicates with him personally, suggesting a unique diplomatic channel remains open.
Despite geopolitical strains, Trump did make headway on trade, signing a new agreement with the UK and laying groundwork for a possible deal with Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated a resolution on reciprocal tariffs might be reached within a month.
This marks the second time President Trump has left a G7 summit prematurely; in 2018, he departed early from the Quebec summit to attend a historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.