G7 Leaders Draft Statement Calling For Israel-Iran De-escalation, But Donald Trump Holds Back: Reports

Ottawa: The G7 leaders have drafted a joint statement urging de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, according to foreign media reports. However, the draft statement reportedly has not been signed off by US President Donald Trump. The G7 has also acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been vocal about the need for de-escalation, stating that "Iran should not respond" to Israeli strikes. Similarly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for an end to the cycle of escalation, emphasising that restraint could pave the way for peace in the Middle East.

The G7 summit, which is currently underway in Canada, has become a pivotal moment in global politics. The world leaders are converging to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with US President Donald Trump warning that Tehran must curb its nuclear program before it's "too late." The situation has raised concerns about the bigger conflict and the need for diplomatic solutions.

The US President has always emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that Iranian leaders would "like to talk" but had already been given 60 days to reach an agreement on their nuclear ambitions. "They have to make a deal," he said. Meanwhile, in a recent post, Trump took to social media to warn, "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" This stark warning highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential risks of further escalation.

G7 Leaders Discuss Israel-Iran Conflict

The G7 leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, held an informal meeting to discuss the widening conflict in the Middle East. Merz announced that Germany plans to draft a final communique proposal stressing that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons-capable material.

The G7 summit is taking place amidst high tensions, with Trump imposing severe tariffs on several dozen nations, risking a global economic slowdown. The summit's host, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, noted that the world is looking to the G7 for leadership at a "hinge" moment in time. "We're gathering at one of those turning points in history," Carney said.

Trump's focus on trade policies was evident as he announced a trade framework with Starmer, previously announced in May. Trump said British trade was "very well protected" because "I like them, that's why. That's their ultimate protection." However, his stance on tariffs has raised concerns among other G7 nations, with Trump's administration seeing no need to build a shared consensus if it views such a statement as contrary to its goals.