KANANASKIS, CANADA — The 2025 G7 Fractures as Trump Exits Early Over Escalating Israel-Iran Crisis. The G7 Summit, expected to focus on climate, global trade, and the Ukraine war, has been overtaken by fast-moving developments in the Israel-Iran conflict, forcing world leaders to shift their attention to one of the most dangerous international crises in recent memory.
As host Canada welcomed leaders from the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union to the Rockies, Iranian missile strikes and Israel’s aggressive military retaliation rapidly changed the summit’s tone. A draft statement from the G7 expressed firm support for Israel’s right to self-defense and warned that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
G7 Fractures as Trump Exits Early Over Escalating Israel-Iran Crisis
Iran Strikes, Israel Retaliates with “Operation Rising Lion”
The urgency of the summit escalated Monday after Iranian missiles struck Israeli cities, prompting a fierce counteroffensive dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.” Israel’s military response targeted key sites in Iran, including a military base near Tehran and the headquarters of the state broadcaster, IRIB. Israel accused Tehran of advancing toward nuclear weapon capability and claimed its airstrikes were aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Iran Considers Withdrawing from NPT
In a dramatic development, Iran’s Parliament began drafting legislation to exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Tehran in violation of its NPT obligations.
While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, it has also signaled a readiness to retaliate militarily while exploring diplomatic options via Arab intermediaries.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran has sent diplomatic feelers to the U.S. and Israel even as it prepares for further conflict a high-stakes balancing act with global implications.
Trump Exits G7 Early, Urges Evacuation of Tehran
In a stunning turn, U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly left the G7 Summit early, citing the need to “monitor developments” in the Middle East. Before boarding Air Force One, Trump posted on TruthSocial: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
This chilling message caused ripples through global diplomatic circles and sparked speculation about a potential U.S. military response to the escalating crisis.
A White House official later confirmed Trump was heading back to Washington to hold urgent consultations in the Situation Room with his national security team.
Trump Refuses to Sign G7 Unity Statement on Iran
While the G7 draft communiqué, led by France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and UK’s Keir Starmer, aimed to present a united front, Trump refused to sign it. The statement emphasized the need for regional de-escalation, reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, and clearly stated that Iran must never possess nuclear arms.
A senior U.S. official defended Trump’s stance, saying his “existing public statements already reflect U.S. policy.” However, European leaders expressed concern that America’s refusal to co-sign could fracture international unity at a critical moment.
Behind the Scenes: Trump Pursues Quiet Diplomacy
Despite his public hardline rhetoric, Trump is reportedly seeking backchannel talks with Iranian officials. A U.S. diplomat confirmed quiet outreach is underway, with efforts to establish a potential ceasefire.
While no meeting has been confirmed, Trump told G7 leaders that Iran was “at the table,” suggesting diplomatic momentum might still be salvageable.
Still, Trump remained vague in public, saying: “It’s irrelevant. Something’s going to happen.”
Modi’s Rising Role and Russia’s Rejection
The presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the summit added a new layer to global diplomacy. India’s growing influence as a global power was underscored by Modi’s participation in sensitive security discussions involving the Middle East, energy markets, and global peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Trump’s controversial suggestion that Russia’s Vladimir Putin could mediate the Israel-Iran conflict was swiftly shot down by Macron, who pointed to Russia’s disqualification due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump blamed former President Obama and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for “kicking out” Russia from the G8, claiming: “They threw Russia out. That was a mistake. This wouldn’t be happening otherwise.”
Trump’s Exit Disrupts Trade Talks
Trump’s early departure also derailed planned discussions on global trade, including a push by EU leaders to ease recently imposed 10% U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada, Europe, and Japan.
However, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured a last-minute trade deal with Trump, avoiding new tariffs. The bilateral pact is expected to be implemented “very soon,” according to Starmer’s office.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese was less fortunate his planned meeting with Trump was cancelled, delaying talks on AUKUS defense cooperation and potential tariff exemptions.
Netanyahu Praises Trump’s Strong Support
As Israeli strikes continued in Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump for his steadfast support.
“Today it’s Tel Aviv, tomorrow it’s New York,” Netanyahu warned, calling the conflict a battle of “good vs evil.”
He said Trump’s stance is helping Israel defend itself from existential threats, while many in the international community fail to grasp the full danger posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Oil Markets Rattle, Global Stability at Risk
The conflict has already had a significant impact on global oil prices, prompting G7 leaders to promise action to stabilize energy markets. The draft statement warned of “catastrophic consequences” for the global economy if hostilities continue.
With instability spreading across Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, leaders cautioned both Israel and Iran to avoid moves that could trigger a regional war or worse, a global conflagration.
Conclusion: World Awaits Trump’s Next Move
With the Israel-Iran conflict escalating rapidly and Trump’s call to evacuate Tehran still resonating, world leaders are watching closely to see whether the U.S. president will choose diplomacy or military escalation. His departure from the G7 Summit not unlike his early exit from the 2018 G7 to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un signals a leader ready to act independently.
But the stakes are now far higher. As global tensions rise and oil markets fluctuate, the next 48 hours could determine whether peace prevails or the Middle East is plunged into a broader war. For now, the world waits as Trump returns to Washington and prepares for what could be a decisive chapter in global diplomacy.
Also Read: India at the G7 Summit: Why Canada’s Invite to PM Modi Signals a Global Reset
Also Read: G7 leaders fail to reach ambitious joint agreements on key issues after Trump’s exit
