US President Donald Trump abruptly departed the Group of Seven summit on Monday, leaving ahead of schedule as tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply. Before flying out of Canada, Trump posted a warning on his Truth Social platform, urging residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately, heightening speculation about potential US involvement.
“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he declared on social media.
Standing alongside fellow G7 leaders for a group photograph at the mountain resort of Kananaskis, Trump said: “I have to be back as soon as I can. I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand, this is big stuff.” Despite his early exit, the White House confirmed that Trump would still attend a leaders’ dinner before returning to Washington.
Trump’s departure meant he would miss scheduled meetings, including discussions with the leaders of Ukraine and Mexico. Although he has not definitively stated whether the US would take part in any Israeli military operations, Trump suggested imminent developments. “As soon as I leave here, we’re going to be doing something,” he remarked.
While praising Israel’s military strikes, Trump continued to advocate for diplomacy, cautioning Iran against further escalation. “It’s painful for both parties, but I’d say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it’s too late,” he said during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The White House emphasised that US forces in the Middle East remain in a defensive stance.
Israel’s recent strikes on Iran have targeted nuclear and military facilities, killing several key figures, including senior commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran has launched its own missile and drone attacks on Israel. Amid growing violence, Canada and several European leaders sought to draft a joint G7 statement, though US officials indicated that Washington had not committed to participating.
The G7 – comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States – has largely backed Israel but expressed mounting concern over civilian casualties. French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel to avoid harming civilians, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated any joint statement would reaffirm Israel’s right to defend itself, but stop short of calling for a ceasefire. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed calls for de-escalation while expressing ongoing concern about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Since Trump withdrew from the previous nuclear agreement in 2018, Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment, though not yet to weapons-grade levels. Israel, though widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, maintains its longstanding policy of neither confirming nor denying their existence.
Beyond the Middle East crisis, the G7 summit was overshadowed by global trade tensions. Trump, who has been pushing for sweeping tariffs against multiple countries, suggested resolution was possible, particularly with Canada and the UK, with whom he signed a separate agreement during the summit. His relationship with host Canada has shifted since Mark Carney replaced former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this year.
Reflecting on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Trump expressed frustration at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of US ceasefire proposals. He suggested Russia’s expulsion from the G8 in 2014 had contributed to current hostilities. “If Russia were still a member, you wouldn’t have a war right now,” Trump claimed.
