Middle East

G7 leaders urge calm amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict

Leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies called for a de-escalation of violence in the Middle East on Monday as President Donald Trump abruptly left the Group of 7 summit to address mounting tensions between Israel and Iran.

In a joint statement issued late Monday, the G7 heads of state reiterated their “commitment to peace and stability” in the region and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense. The declaration, which had been subject to last-minute negotiations, also included a unified warning that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.

Trump left the summit site in the Canadian Rockies shortly after a working dinner, telling reporters he had to return to Washington “for obvious reasons.” The decision followed a fifth consecutive day of cross-border attacks between Israel and Iran, with Israeli airstrikes reaching deep into Iranian territory and Tehran responding with missile salvos targeting Israeli cities.

At the same time, the Pentagon announced the deployment of additional U.S. military assets to the region, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describing the move as a “defensive posture.” White House officials sought to tamp down speculation of a direct U.S. military role in the Israeli campaign, emphasizing that the administration remained committed to a diplomatic resolution.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump posted a stark warning to Iranian leaders, urging the “immediate evacuation” of Tehran and restating his opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran. Hours later, explosions and anti-aircraft fire were reported across the Iranian capital, including an apparent Israeli strike on the state broadcaster’s headquarters.

In Israel, sirens sounded across Tel Aviv as Iran launched a fresh round of missiles in retaliation. The Israeli government reported 24 fatalities, while Iranian authorities said at least 224 people had been killed since hostilities began.

Despite the chaos abroad, the White House said the president had a “very productive day” at the summit, pointing to the signing of a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom. Trump also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and suggested a U.S.–Canada deal could follow within weeks.

Still, the president’s early departure meant he missed scheduled bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. “If the United States can achieve a cease-fire, that’s a very good thing,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, who confirmed that a cease-fire offer had been relayed to Iran through intermediaries.

Behind the scenes, the summit revealed strains within the alliance. Trump expressed regret that Russia had been expelled from the former G8 in 2014 and hinted at support for reintegrating China into future talks. “Putin speaks to me,” he said. “He doesn’t speak to anybody else.”

Meanwhile, Israeli officials continued to claim operational control of Iranian airspace, citing the success of their surprise air offensive. Yet analysts cautioned that key nuclear facilities in Iran remain intact, noting that only American bombers possess the capability to destroy deeply buried targets like the Fordow enrichment plant.

The international community is now bracing for the potential next phase of the crisis, as diplomatic channels remain open but fragile.