U.S. President Donald Trump departed the G7 summit in Canada a day early on Monday due to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The White House said Trump left after a dinner with world leaders in Kananaskis, Alberta, to return to Washington and address the Middle East crisis.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Trump had made an offer to mediate a ceasefire. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange... especially to get a ceasefire and begin broader discussions,” Macron said, calling Trump’s early exit a “positive” move for diplomacy.
Trump had earlier urged civilians to evacuate Tehran and again criticized Iran for refusing to sign a nuclear deal. “Iran should have signed the deal. What a shame,” he posted on Truth Social.
The G7 released a joint statement urging de-escalation between Iran and Israel, while reaffirming support for Israel’s right to self-defense and describing Iran as a destabilizing force in the region. The statement also called for a broader Middle East ceasefire, including in Gaza.
Trump’s presence at the summit had already divided leaders. He openly supported Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticized Russia’s removal from the former G8. “Kicking out Russia was a big mistake,” Trump said. “Putin speaks to me. He doesn’t speak to anyone else.”
Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over G7 declarations, as the U.S. has yet to endorse any draft agreements on AI, migration, or critical minerals. Leaders fear a repeat of the 2018 summit collapse when Trump withdrew U.S. support from the final communique.
Trump did finalize a bilateral trade agreement with Britain and hinted at a possible deal with Canada—provided tariffs remain part of the equation.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy still plans to attend Tuesday’s session despite rising doubts about U.S. backing.
OpinionExpress.In
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