In an unexpected turn of events at the G7 summit in Canada, President Trump decided to cut short his attendance, citing urgent matters in the Middle East as the reason for his early departure. This decision came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, which overshadowed the initially anticipated discussions on global trade. Trump emphasized the urgency of his return to Washington, highlighting the importance of addressing the unfolding crisis.
President Trump left the summit venue in the Canadian Rockies after the first day’s proceedings, where he participated in a traditional ‘family photo’ with fellow G7 leaders. Before departing, he told reporters, “I have to be back. It’s very important,” referencing the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The conflict had shifted the summit’s focus, leading to a joint statement by leaders addressing the strikes between Iran and Israel.
G7 Leaders Call for Resolution
Shortly after Trump’s departure was announced, he took to social media to issue a stark warning. In his post, he criticized Iran’s decision not to sign a proposed deal, calling it a “shame, and waste of human life,” and urged the evacuation of Tehran. The White House confirmed Trump’s early exit from the summit following this post.
During a working dinner, the G7 leaders released a joint statement asserting Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning Iran as a “principal source of regional instability and terror.” They also stressed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. The statement called for a broader de-escalation in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.
Trump’s Stance on Iran’s Nuclear Program
President Trump has been vocal about the need for Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions. He maintained that he has been in “constant touch” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reaffirmed his goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. When asked about potential regime change in Iran, Trump stated his primary objective is “no nuclear weapon in Iran.”
According to Trump, Iran has signaled a desire to de-escalate tensions, expressing interest in resuming talks. However, Trump remarked, “They’d like to talk, but they should have done that before.” He further stressed the urgency for Iran to negotiate, warning that the ongoing conflict is not in Iran’s favor. “They have to make a deal,” he said, urging immediate dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The G7 summit, initially set to address global trade issues, became a platform for international leaders to address the pressing crisis in the Middle East. Trump’s early departure underscores the gravity of the situation and the international community’s focus on finding a resolution.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
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