G7 Leaders Call for Middle East De-Escalation, Assert Iran Nuclear Ban

At the G7 summit in Canada, leaders issued a joint statement affirming Israel's right to self-defense amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly declared that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. They urged a resolution of the Iranian crisis that leads to broader de-escalation in the region, including a ceasefire in Gaza, while emphasizing the importance of civilian protection. US President Donald Trump cut short his visit to return to Washington to manage the crisis, warning Iran to make a deal and expressing frustration over Iran's refusal to curb its nuclear program. Despite the collective statement, reports indicated that the US initially blocked a proposed G7 call for de-escalation, reflecting a divergence between President Trump’s hardline stance and other G7 members who sought a more diplomatic approach. Trump underscored the urgency of the situation without detailing potential US military involvement, signaling a firm US position alongside Israel’s ongoing operations against Iranian nuclear targets. The G7 leaders also pledged vigilance over international energy markets amid the instability.