U.S. President Donald Trump cut short his attendance at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16, 2025, to address escalating tensions in the Middle East. The White House cited the volatile Israel-Iran situation as the reason for his early departure after a dinner with world leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Trump proposed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran to de-escalate the regional conflict. Macron described the offer as a constructive step toward broader peace negotiations, though its success hinges on both parties’ willingness to engage.
Trump’s abrupt exit followed his controversial call for Tehran’s immediate evacuation and insistence that Iran should have accepted a U.S. nuclear deal. These remarks underscored his administration’s hardline stance on Iran, which the G7 labeled a source of Middle East instability.
The G7 leaders, representing Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.S., and the European Union, issued a joint statement urging de-escalation. The statement emphasized resolving the Iran crisis to achieve a broader ceasefire, including in Gaza, while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
Despite progress on the Middle East statement, the G7 struggled to unify on other global issues, notably Ukraine. Trump’s open support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and recent tariffs on allies strained discussions, highlighting divisions among the group.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, posting on X, noted that “much was accomplished” at the summit before Trump’s departure. She emphasized the Middle East crisis as the driving factor behind his decision to leave early.
Macron expressed optimism about Trump’s ceasefire proposal, suggesting it could pave the way for comprehensive talks. “We have to see now whether the sides will follow,” he told reporters, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the initiative.
The G7 summit, held in the scenic Canadian Rockies, was set to conclude on June 17, 2025. Trump’s early exit underscored the urgency of the Middle East situation, leaving world leaders to navigate its implications without him.
