During the G7 Summit in Canada, world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and others, gathered for a group photo on June 16, 2025, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a joint statement issued late Monday, the Group of Seven nations declared support for Israel and strongly criticized Iran, calling it a key source of instability and terrorism in the region. The leaders called for a broader de-escalation of the conflict, which has intensified since Israel launched airstrikes on Iran last Friday.
“We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself and reiterate our support for its security,” the G7 statement said. It also emphasized, “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” and reaffirmed the G7’s position that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has already caused significant casualties—over 220 deaths reported in Iran, mostly civilians, and 24 civilian deaths reported in Israel. Israel has described its initial strikes as preemptive, aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Tehran, however, insists its nuclear program is peaceful and legal under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to which it is a signatory. Israel, not a signatory to the NPT, is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons but has never confirmed or denied this.
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early to return to Washington in response to the escalating situation. Although the U.S. claims it is not directly involved in Israel’s military action, Trump acknowledged on Friday that the U.S. had prior knowledge of the strikes and described them as “excellent.” Washington has warned Iran against targeting American personnel or interests.
The G7 leaders also called for a broader ceasefire in the region, including in Gaza, and expressed willingness to coordinate efforts to stabilize global energy markets amid the unrest.
Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike reportedly targeted Iran’s state broadcaster, and Trump posted on social media urging people to evacuate Tehran immediately.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with British, French, and EU counterparts regarding the conflict. Despite the rising tensions, Washington stated that Trump remains committed to pursuing a nuclear agreement with Iran.
