The leaders of the G7 nations have jointly called for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” emphasising their commitment to peace and stability in the volatile region. They reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence amid ongoing clashes with Iran.
US President Donald Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada early, citing “obvious reasons” related to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. His early departure came as the two nations engaged in attacks for a fifth consecutive day, heightening fears of a wider regional war.
Reports suggest Trump instructed the White House National Security Council to convene upon his return to Washington. Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of additional military capabilities to the Middle East to bolster the Pentagon’s defensive posture, though American officials dismissed suggestions that the US would join any Israeli offensive against Iran.
The White House sought to present Trump’s exit as part of a productive summit, highlighting achievements such as the US-UK trade deal. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Trump left after Monday night’s dinner due to “what’s going on in the Middle East,” without providing further details.
Trump’s early departure means he missed planned meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum scheduled for the summit’s final day.
Earlier, Trump criticised Iran for rejecting a nuclear deal he had proposed during recent talks and reiterated his stance that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.” He urged Iranians to “immediately evacuate” Tehran, though he did not elaborate on the warning.
Shortly after, Iranian media reported explosions and heavy air defence fire over Tehran. Israeli air raids also continued, targeting Iranian sites including the state broadcaster. Iranian missiles launched attacks on Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and causing further unrest.
World leaders expressed understanding of Trump’s departure. French President Emmanuel Macron said, “If the United States can achieve a ceasefire, that’s a very good thing.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office described the move as “understandable,” despite a planned meeting with Trump on tariffs.
Tensions at the G7 summit reflected wider geopolitical fractures, including disagreements over Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and the Iran-Israel conflict. Trump reportedly intended to reject a summit statement on the conflict but eventually agreed to a joint declaration backing Israel’s security and denouncing Iran as the principal source of regional instability and terrorism.
The statement reaffirmed a firm stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
On a separate note, Trump commented on Russia’s expulsion from the former G8 in 2014 following Crimea’s annexation, calling it a “big mistake” and saying, “Putin speaks to me. He doesn’t speak to anybody else… he’s not a happy person about it.”
The summit did witness progress with Trump signing a trade deal with the UK aimed at removing certain import taxes, which he said was done because “I like them.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suggested a similar deal with Canada might be finalised within 30 days.
This is the second time Trump has left a G7 summit early, having previously departed the 2018 gathering in Quebec to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Since launching its air campaign last Thursday, Israel claims control over Iranian airspace, targeting top military commanders and nuclear scientists. However, military experts say Israel has yet to significantly disrupt Iran’s nuclear programme, with only the US possessing the bombers capable of striking heavily fortified sites such as Fordow.
Iranian health officials report at least 224 deaths from Israeli strikes, while Israel’s government confirms at least 24 fatalities on its side.
The volatile conflict continues to cast a shadow over international diplomacy, with global leaders closely monitoring the situation as calls for peace intensify.
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