In a late Monday statement, G7 leaders emphasized the need to de-escalate hostilities in the Middle East — including a call for a ceasefire in Gaza — while simultaneously reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself.
They labeled Iran “the principal source of regional instability and terror” and said they remained vigilant on energy markets, promising coordinated action if oil supply risks escalate.
Trump ditches summit — and diplomacy?
Trump’s exit overshadowed most of the summit’s progress. While the White House insisted he had a “great day” at the event, the US president skipped planned meetings with Ukraine’s Zelensky and Mexico’s Sheinbaum.
Instead, he returned home to convene the National Security Council, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a ramp-up of US defensive capabilities in the region. Trump told reporters he had to leave early for “obvious reasons”, but later posted that his early exit had “nothing to do with” working on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Trump described his reasons as “much bigger than that” in the post on his Truth Social platform.
Still, officials stressed the US was not preparing for direct military involvement — even as Israeli attacks on Tehran intensified and air raid sirens rang out across Tel Aviv.
Trump posted on Truth Social urging Tehran’s evacuation, but downplayed Macron’s ceasefire framing.
Iran–Israel war dominates global focus
The backdrop to the G7 was defined by the Israel–Iran war, now in its fifth day. Israel’s campaign has killed 224 people in Iran, according to Iranian officials, while 24 have died in Israel, amid mutual missile attacks.
Israeli forces warned hundreds of thousands in Tehran to evacuate, with the city’s Grand Bazaar shuttered, traffic jammed, and panic spreading. Explosions were reported at oil refineries near southern Tehran, stoking fears of an environmental disaster.
Nuclear talks at risk — again
As both sides escalate militarily, hopes for renewed nuclear negotiations hang by a thread. Iran has threatened to exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and cut cooperation with UN nuclear watchdogs — a move that European ministers warned would shut the door to diplomacy.
Iran insists it won’t return to talks unless Israel halts its bombing. Some European leaders admit they aren’t sure if Trump is pushing for a deal — or silently backing Israel’s full-force campaign to cripple Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Trade deals, but no unity
Despite the chaos, Trump managed to sign a new UK–US trade deal, easing import restrictions and tariffs. “They’re well protected,” he said of Britain. “You know why? Because I like them.”
He also hinted at a fast-track trade deal with Canada, promising to resolve tit-for-tat tariffs within 30 days, after a bilateral meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney.
But on broader issues — especially Ukraine and Israel — the G7 remained divided, with Trump rejecting parts of the group’s Iran statement, before ultimately agreeing to a toned-down version.
The G7 summit offered diplomatic overtures — but ended in disarray. Trump’s early exit, conflicting messages on ceasefire efforts, and mounting violence in the Middle East left world leaders scrambling to regain control.
Whether Washington pushes for peace or escalation remains the open question — and the answer may not come from the summit table, but the battlefield.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
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