G7 in turmoil as Trump exits summit citing Israel-Iran clash amid G6 pushback

US President Donald Trump will cut short his trip to Canada, where he is to attend the G7 meeting, by a day to deal with “what’s going on in the Middle East,” the White House has announced.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president was earlier supposed to be in Canada till late Tuesday. “President Trump will return to Washington tonight so he can attend to many important matters,” she said.

During the summit, too, Trump had posted on Truth Social asking Iranians to evacuate Tehran “immediately.” He said, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” without explaining why.

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Trump’s early exit from the summit indicates that the US is increasing pressure on Iran to come to the negotiating table. During the summit, Trump told reporters that he could get Iran to strike a diplomatic deal, effectively ending the conflict that began last week.

“I think Iran basically is at the negotiating table where they want to make a deal, and as soon as I leave here, we’re going to be doing something,” the president said.

Trump will miss a day of meetings in the Rockies resort of Kananaskis that was also expected to include meetings with the leaders of Ukraine and Mexico.

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What happened at the summit?

Meanwhile, Trump’s call on certain issues has created division between the US and the rest of the G6 countries.

Canada and European leaders had looked to draft a statement on the crisis, but diplomats said that Trump has not committed the United States to joining it.

Leaders of the club of industrialised democracies – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States – have mostly backed Israel, but concern has mounted as the violence intensifies.

“Under the strong leadership of President Trump, the United States is back to leading the effort to restore peace around the world. President Trump will continue to work towards ensuring Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon,” a White House official said when asked about Trump’s decision to back out of the joint statement.

Leavitt said, “President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 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.”

What does this mean?

Trump’s actions add uncertainty to the already volatile situation, as Israel intensifies strikes on Iran.

This came amid pushback to Trump from other G7 members over the Ukraine war, Israel-Iran conflict and above all his tariff threats.

When asked about Washington’s role in the conflict, the US president said, “I want to see no nuclear weapon in Iran, and we’re well on our way to making sure that happens.”