The Group of Seven (G7) nations have reaffirmed their support for Israel while sharply criticizing Iran as the primary source of instability in the Middle East, following a dramatic escalation in hostilities between the two regional powers.
In a joint statement issued late Monday, the G7 declared: “Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel.” The leaders also emphasized, “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” and warned unequivocally that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
The statement comes days after Israel launched preemptive air strikes on Iran, triggering a wave of retaliatory attacks. The air war has claimed over 220 lives in Iran, mostly civilians, and 24 civilian deaths in Israel, raising fears of broader regional escalation.
Iran has denied accusations of pursuing nuclear weapons, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Israel, which is not a signatory to the NPT, is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it neither confirms nor denies the claims.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, attending the G7 summit in Canada, announced plans to leave early due to the rapidly evolving situation. While Washington insists it is not directly involved in Israel’s military campaign, Trump revealed that the U.S. had prior knowledge of the strikes and described them as “excellent.”
Trump also issued a stark warning on social media, urging: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran,” following reports of an Israeli strike on Iran’s state broadcaster earlier in the day.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in contact with counterparts from Britain, France, and the European Union, emphasizing the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts.
The G7 also linked the Israel-Iran conflict to the broader crisis in Gaza, where fighting has continued since October 2023. “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,” the statement read.
In addition to diplomatic and security concerns, the G7 pledged to cooperate on maintaining energy market stability, amid fears that a prolonged conflict could disrupt oil supplies from the region.
Despite the intensifying conflict, Trump reiterated that his administration still seeks a nuclear deal with Iran, though prospects for renewed talks remain uncertain.
