US President Donald Trump on Monday called on Iran to return to negotiations “before it’s too late,” following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, as Group of Seven (G7) leaders sought to find common ground on the escalating crisis.
The summit, hosted by Canada in the Rocky Mountains resort of Kananaskis, aimed to smooth over divisions among the bloc’s major industrial democracies, marking Trump’s return to the global stage during his unconventional second term.
Just two days prior to the summit, Israel launched an unprovoked, large-scale military offensive against Iran, which had been engaged in talks with the Trump administration concerning the clerical state’s disputed nuclear programme.
Although Trump has expressed a preference for diplomatic solutions, he praised Israel’s military action, while affirming that a negotiated settlement remains “achievable.”
“It’s painful for both sides, but I would say Iran is not winning this war. They should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it’s too late,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Israel has targeted significant nuclear and military installations in Iran and killed senior commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes against Israel.
Canada and European nations have been drafting a statement on the conflict, although it appears unlikely to include a call for a ceasefire. The G7 leaders were due to discuss the statement on Monday evening, according to a diplomat.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said G7 leaders shared concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions but were focused on ways to de-escalate the situation. “I do think there’s a consensus for de-escalation,” he told reporters.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a European proposal would place responsibility on Iran. “We’ll emphasise that Iran must never possess materials to produce nuclear weapons,” he said. Merz also reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence and hinted at possible additional diplomatic measures.
Japan, breaking from its Western allies, criticised Israel’s strikes. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya described the attacks, which occurred during ongoing diplomacy, as “completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable.”
Since the US withdrew from an earlier nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has increased uranium enrichment, though not to weapons-grade levels. Israel is widely believed to have nuclear weapons but has never officially acknowledged them.
The summit unfolded under snow-capped peaks, following months of global upheaval since Trump’s return to office. Trump has vowed widespread tariffs on allies and adversaries alike, although implementation has been delayed until July 9.
Despite his brash style and past jabs at Canada—including suggesting it should become the 51st US state—Trump expressed optimism about trade discussions with Carney, a former central banker who replaced the more flamboyant Justin Trudeau as Canadian Prime Minister.
“I’m a tariff person,” Trump said. “It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s precise, and it just goes very quickly.” He added that Carney had “a more complex idea, but also very good.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to join the G7 talks on Tuesday and speak with Trump. The US president had earlier tried to push Zelensky into a deal with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022. Trump has since voiced frustration that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not accepted a US ceasefire proposal.
Trump also mused about readmitting Russia to the G8, from which it was expelled in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea. He claimed Putin was “very insulted” by the expulsion and suggested that if Russia were still a member, “you wouldn’t have a war right now.”
