With the exchange of hostilities between Iran and Israel escalating into the fifth day of continuous missile and drone attacks, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) collectively called for stability in the region with a clear reiteration of their alliance behind Israel's right of self-defense while vociferously condemning Iran's involvement in the conflict.
In a communiqué issued at their summit in Canada on Tuesday, the G7 states branded Iran as the "principal source" of instability and terrorism in the Middle East. The communiqué highlighted the need for keeping Iran away from nuclear weapons and demanded an immediate process of de-escalation — including a Gaza ceasefire.
We, the G7 leaders, reaffirm our devotion to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this respect, we confirm that Israel is entitled to defend itself. We reaffirm our backing of the security of Israel. We also reaffirm the value of protection of civilians," the declaration stated.
The G7 also cautioned against Iran's nuclear aspirations, insisting, "Iran is the main cause of regional instability and terrorism. We have been uniformly firm that Iran will never be able to have a nuclear weapon. We call on the resolution of the Iranian crisis to be followed by a wider de-escalation of violence in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza."
In light of escalating concern over the global energy supply, the leaders indicated their readiness to address any disruption from the conflict. "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 communiqué said.
At the same time, regional tensions rose further as Israel sent urgent evacuation warnings to its citizens living in Tehran, indicating a likelihood of a full-scale aerial attack. Israeli authorities instructed civilians to evacuate the Iranian capital immediately, raising speculation of an imminent military strike.
In response to the quickly deteriorating crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump cut short his G7 trip a day early. Going to his social media site, Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Everyone needs to leave Tehran," mirroring Israel's alert about an imminent major strike.
Trump also faulted the collapse of negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program as one that might have prevented the war as it is today. "This crisis could have been avoided if Iran had signed a nuclear deal. Now, with no progress, the situation is on the verge of spiraling out of control unless immediate action is taken toward de-escalation," he cautioned.
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