US President Donald Trump on Tuesday categorically denied that his abrupt departure from the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada had anything to do with the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, contradicting claims made by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to DC to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran. Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that.”
He added, “Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!”
Macron Links G7 Exit to Middle East Crisis, Urges Ceasefire
Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit, Macron had earlier suggested that Trump’s sudden departure was motivated by Washington’s interest in mediating a ceasefire in the Middle East, where the Israel-Iran conflict has entered its fifth day of relentless strikes.
“Right now I believe negotiations need to restart and that civilians need to be protected,” Macron said. He further stated, “Since the US assured they will find a ceasefire and since they can pressure Israel, things may change.”
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Macron also urged both nations to stop targeting civilians, adding, “All who have thought that by bombing from the outside you can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken.”
Trump Warns Iran, Says “They Should Talk Immediately”
Despite denying Macron’s ceasefire narrative, Trump addressed the Israel-Iran conflict prior to leaving the summit. Calling the war “painful for both parties,” Trump warned Iran that it would be “foolish” not to come to the negotiating table.
“Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it’s too late,” Trump stated before boarding his flight back to Washington. He also reaffirmed that US forces in the Middle East remain in a defensive posture, as confirmed by the White House.
G7 Divided Over Joint Statement on Middle East Crisis
Efforts by Canada and European allies to issue a joint G7 statement on the escalating Israel-Iran tensions appeared to stall, as Trump did not formally commit the US to it. The conflict, which erupted after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing key Iranian figures, has drawn sharp reactions worldwide. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones, targeting multiple Israeli sites.
While G7 nations including Britain, Germany, France, and Italy have expressed support for Israel, growing concern over civilian casualties has prompted calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts.