June 17, (THEWILL) – Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defence as hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify.
In a joint statement released during the ongoing G7 summit in Canada, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Israel’s security.
“We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon”, they said.
The G7 also stressed the urgent need to safeguard civilian lives and called for immediate steps toward reducing tensions across the Middle East. This includes advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and broader diplomatic engagement to prevent further violence.
“We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians.”
The summit, which has drawn international attention, took a sharp turn as U.S. President, Donald Trump, announced an early departure due to the developing crisis.
“Because of what’s happening in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State”, said White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
In Washington, the President has instructed the U.S. National Security Council to convene in the Situation Room for urgent consultations.
Speaking on the matter, Trump urged Iran to return to the negotiation table, warning, “Iran is not winning this war. They should talk… before it’s too late”. He also reiterated a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, declaring, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
World leaders, including French President, Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, echoed calls for calm and a diplomatic resolution.
Macron stated, “If the United States can facilitate a ceasefire, that would be a welcome development”. Starmer added that there was a “shared understanding” among G7 members on the need to lower tensions in the region.
The growing confrontation between Israel and Iran has already taken a deadly toll. Preliminary figures indicate that at least 224 people have been killed in Iran, while 24 fatalities have been reported in Israel. Several countries, including China and Turkey, have urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful dialogue.
The G7’s call for de-escalation comes at a critical time as international observers fear the conflict could spiral further without immediate diplomatic intervention.
“We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza. 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.”
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