In a significant development at the G7 Summit in Canada, United States President Donald Trump made a sudden departure to confront rising tensions in the Middle East, urging civilians in Tehran to “immediately leave” amid deepening conflict between Israel and Iran. The White House later confirmed that Trump had departed the summit early to return to Washington D.C. “to address many pressing matters,” particularly relating to the crisis over Israel-Iran. It followed a series of posts on his social media, in which he reiterated warnings to Iran over its nuclear ambitions. “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump posted. “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it repeatedly again!” he added.
Briefly addressing the press as he boarded Air Force One, Trump indicated the Middle East situation needed to be addressed immediately. “You probably see what I see. I have to be back,” he told reporters. “I’ve spoken to everybody,” he added when asked about his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked Trump for his participation and said he understood the urgency of Trump’s departure. “We’re grateful to have had President Trump here. Of course, the Middle East situation is urgent, and I fully understand his decision,” Carney said.
Macron Warns Against Regime Change In Iran
At the G7 press briefing, French President Emmanuel Macron struck a measured tone, urging restraint on all sides. He warned against any attempts at forced regime change in Iran, calling it a “strategic error.” “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions … We have to see now whether the sides will follow,” he said while addressing the media at the G7 summit. Macron confirmed that there were open diplomatic backchannels and a ceasefire proposal was “on the table”.
On Trump’s early exit from the G7 summit, Macron said, “Right now I believe negotiations need to restart and that civilians need to be protected.” “Since the US assured they will find a ceasefire and since they can pressure Israel, things may change,” he added. While calling for an end to attacks on civilians, he said, “All who thought that bombing from the outside can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken.”
The flare-up in hostilities comes after Israel’s massive airstrike on Iranian defence and nuclear installations under “Operation Rising Lion.” In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out “Operation True Promise 3” against Israeli energy and air force installations with ballistic missiles and drones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This mission will last as long as needed to eliminate the Iranian threat to the survival of the State of Israel.” The Iranian state media told that the IRGC retaliatory attacks hit Israeli fuel production and strategic energy points, in what Tehran referred to as a “legitimate response to Zionist aggression.”
