Talk Before It’s Too Late: Donald Trump Warns Iran To Negotiate, Backs Israel At G7

Ottawa: The annual G7 summit has kicked off in the Canadian Rockies resort of Kananaskis, amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Israel, stating that Iran will not emerge victorious in the conflict and urging both nations to return to negotiations before it's too late.

Donald Trump's comments come on the heels of Israel's Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, scientists, and top military officials. In response, Tehran launched Operation True Promise 3, unleashing waves of attacks on Saturday that continued into the early morning hours. The Israeli military struck Iran's defence ministry headquarters in Tehran and damaged the world's largest natural gas processing unit linked to the South Pars gas field in Iran's Bushehr Province.

As per reports, while other leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union are seeking unity on global crises, Trump has refused to endorse a joint statement calling for de-escalation in the Middle East. The US President's move has come up as a challenge in achieving consensus among the G7 nations on key global issues.

Trump's Warning To Iran

Earlier, Trump warned Iran against any retaliation on US assets, stating, "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US armed forces will come down on you at levels never seen before." 

Amidst the escalating tension between the two nations, Trump's stern warning showcased that the US is firmly backing Israel.

Meanwhile, in a sudden warning on Monday, Donald Trump called for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, the capital city of Iran, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The US president emphasised that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, stating "IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON" in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. 

He blamed Iran's leadership for failing to sign a deal he proposed, which he believes could have prevented the current conflict.

As the tension escalated, Donald Trump was likely to depart the G7 summit in Canada a day early. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump had a productive day at the summit, talking about the signing of a historic trade deal with the United Kingdom and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite the accomplishments, Trump will leave the summit early to focus on the Middle East situation, attending a dinner with Heads of State before his departure.

The 51st G7 summit is being held in Canada from June 16 to 17. The summit brings together leaders from the G7 nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union. Other invited countries include Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Trump's early departure may impact the summit's discussions and outcomes, particularly regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. The G7 leaders were expected to address global crises, including the conflict, during the summit. With Trump's departure, the remaining leaders will continue discussions without the US president's input.

Israel-Iran Escalating Conflict

The tensions between Iran and Israel have been escalating, with both countries exchanging attacks. Israel has launched airstrikes on Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, resulting in at least 224 deaths in Iran since Friday. In response, Iran has fired waves of ballistic missiles at Israel, causing 24 deaths and over 500 injuries. Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin claimed that Israel has achieved "full aerial superiority over Tehran's skies" and destroyed over 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers in central Iran.

Evacuation Warnings

The Israeli military has issued evacuation warnings for parts of Tehran, affecting up to 330,000 people. The warnings include areas with key infrastructure such as state TV, police headquarters, and hospitals. State-run television was hit during the attacks, with reports of explosions and injuries. Iranian state news also reported that three drones struck South Pars, Iran's main gas production centre.

The conflict has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and broader implications for global security. Trump's post came during the G7 summit in Canada, where world leaders are discussing the crisis. 

The global leaders, including India, have been urging restraint and diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.