The leaders of G7 nations have called for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza”.
In a joint statement, they also reiterated their “commitment to peace and stability” in the region, adding that within this context “Israel has a right to defend itself”.
US President Donald Trump left the summit in Canada early telling reporters: “I have to be back early for obvious reasons.”
His exit came as Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth consecutive day.
Reports circulated that Trump had instructed the White House National Security Council to meet upon his return.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the “deployment of additional capabilities” to the Middle East to enhance the Pentagon’s “defensive posture”. But American officials rejected suggestions the US was about to join the Israeli offensive on Iran.
The White House was at pains to emphasise that Trump had “a great day” at the summit, saying much was accomplished, including a trade deal between the US and UK.
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The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was leaving the gathering of world leaders at Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies after dinner on Monday night because of “what’s going on in the Middle East”. She did not elaborate.
It means the US president will miss in-person meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that were scheduled for Tuesday, the final day of the summit.
At a photo session on Monday, Trump said it was important he return to Washington for “big stuff”.
Earlier the president posted on social media that Iran should have signed a deal that he put forward to them in the most recent round of US-Iran nuclear talks.
“Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” he wrote. “I said it over and over again!”
Trump also urged Iranians on his social media platform Truth Social to “immediately evacuate” their capital, Tehran, a city of up to 17 million people. He did not offer further details.
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Shortly afterwards, Iranian media reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran early on Tuesday. That came hours after Israel targeted Iran’s state broadcaster, forcing a presenter to flee mid-broadcast.
In Israel, air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv and an explosion was heard as Iranian missiles targeted the country again.
World leaders at the G7 summit said they understood Trump’s need to leave early.
“If the United States can achieve a ceasefire, that’s a very good thing,” said French President Emmanuel Macron.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Trump’s exit was “understandable”, despite the two being scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss tariffs.
