In a surprising move, Donald Trump departed the G7 Summit in Canada a day ahead of schedule, returning to Washington amid discussions of a potential ceasefire between Israel and Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron informed reporters that Trump was contemplating an offer to facilitate a meeting aimed at establishing peace. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kickstart broader discussions,” Macron stated. “We have to see now whether the sides will follow.”
Describing the ceasefire offer as a hopeful development, Macron emphasized the need for negotiations to resume and to ensure civilian protection. While he expressed skepticism that immediate changes would occur, he noted, “since the US assured they will find a ceasefire and since they can pressure Israel, things may change.”
Trump cited “obvious reasons” for his early departure and repeatedly asserted his stance that Iran should never obtain a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran refutes. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed, “Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
During the morning session, Trump revealed he had received indications through intermediaries that Iran was interested in de-escalating the current tensions. Known for his criticism of the G7 gatherings, he opted to return to Washington to update his national security council, avoiding further scrutiny on issues like Ukraine and trade from other leaders.
The situation escalated after 48 hours of mediation attempts by several Gulf States, aiming to secure a ceasefire and rejuvenate nuclear talks that Iran suspended following Israel’s unexpected military actions. Earlier, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK jointly urged their Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to refrain from escalating hostilities towards the US and other regional players. They advised against further threats to abandon the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to retract Iran’s intention to diminish cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The trio warned such escalations could sever Iran’s pathways to diplomacy.
European officials, however, acknowledged uncertainty regarding Trump’s intentions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly concerning the intense assault directed at Iran’s security framework. Iran has declared a willingness to resume discussions on its nuclear program contingent on an end to Israeli bombardments. Yet, some European diplomats questioned whether Trump truly desired a diplomatic resolution or had quietly aligned with Israel’s aggressive stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
A statement released by G7 leaders late Monday called for de-escalation while reaffirming Israel’s “right to defend itself,” and labeled Iran as the region’s “principal source of instability and terror.” The statement also highlighted vigilance regarding potential repercussions for international energy markets and a readiness to coordinate with allies to ensure market stability.
On social media, Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, a densely populated city of 10 million. This remark suggested a lack of restraint over Israeli military actions. A US official confirmed that Trump would not endorse a draft G7 statement advocating for a peaceful resolution in the Israel-Iran conflict.
As Israel continued to seek broader US involvement in the conflict, there was no indication that Trump’s return signaled an imminent military intervention. Both the White House and the Pentagon downplayed speculation about direct US engagement, reaffirming that the US was upholding its defensive stance.
In his support for a ceasefire, Macron warned that attempts at regime change through military force would be a grave strategic mistake. “Anyone who believes that by striking with bombs from outside you save a country in spite of itself and against itself has always been wrong,” Macron remarked.