On the sidelines of a critical G7 Summit in Canada, leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies issued a united statement on the escalating conflict in West Asia, affirming Israel’s right to self-defense while holding Iran responsible for regional instability.
“We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,” the joint communiqué stated. “In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians.”
The declaration comes as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its fifth day, marked by relentless missile strikes, a mounting civilian death toll, and rising fears of broader regional escalation. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran, with another 24 dead and more than 500 wounded in Israel, according to reports from CNN.
Beyond supporting Israel’s security, the G7 leaders directly accused Iran of fueling chaos and violence in the region. “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement read. “We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
The leaders also expressed concern over potential disruptions to international energy markets, pledging coordinated action if necessary. “We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability,” the statement continued.
The G7 statement coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt departure from the summit, citing urgent developments in the Middle East. Trump, who has taken a hardline stance on Iran, left Canada early Monday evening, stating he was returning to Washington “for obvious reasons.”
Posting on Truth Social, Trump repeated warnings about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and called for mass evacuations from Tehran: “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and a waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump wrote. “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
In another post, he added, “America First means many great things, including the fact that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Make America Great Again.”
Despite the heightened rhetoric, diplomatic efforts may be underway. French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters at the summit that Trump has extended an offer to Iran for a ceasefire and broader talks.
“There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions,” Macron said. “If the United States of America can achieve a ceasefire, it is a very good thing and France will support it, and we wish for it.”
While the nature of the proposal remains unclear, Macron’s remarks suggest that a behind-the-scenes push for diplomacy is gaining traction—even as military operations on both sides intensify.
The current conflict between Israel and Iran was triggered by a surprise Israeli aerial campaign targeting Iranian military and infrastructure sites, citing a need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Tehran has retaliated with waves of missiles and drone attacks, prompting widespread devastation and international alarm.
The G7’s unified front and Trump’s personal intervention indicate a complex balancing act: confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions while trying to avoid a broader regional war.
Whether diplomatic overtures will succeed in halting the violence remains uncertain—but as Macron put it, “If peace is possible, now is the moment to pursue it.”
