Leaders of the G7 nations have described Iran as “the principal source of regional instability and terror” in a joint statement signed by US president Donald Trump and UK PM Keir Starmer amongst others.
The leaders urged a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza” – but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
The wording was agreed as they met at the summit in Canada, and before Trump departed one day early for “big stuff” in Washington.
The joint statement read:”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.
“We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians.
“Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror.
“We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.
“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.”
Trump later wrote again on his Truth Social platform lambasting another G7 attendee, President Emmanuel Macron of France.
Trump said his “publicity seeking” counterpart mistakenly suggested he was working on a ceasefire.
“Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire,” Trump wrote.
The gathering of world leaders at Kananaskis, in the Canadian Rockies, has been overshadowed by the Middle East conflict.
