G7 leaders have described Iran as “the principal source of regional instability and terror” as conflict rages in the Middle East. The conflict between Israel and Iran has been top of the agenda at the leaders’ summit, being held in Canada.
In a statement agreed at the summit, leaders of the world’s major economies, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said they “affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself”.
The statement, agreed before Donald Trump left the conference early on Monday evening, also includes a call for a “ceasefire in Gaza”.
“We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,” it said.
“In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” the statement said adding that the leaders affirmed the importance of the protection of civilians.
“Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” the statement said adding, “we urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”
On June 16, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X that President Trump would be leaving the summit early, following a dinner with heads of state.
Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror.
Iran said at least 224 people had been killed in the country since strikes began on Friday, while Israeli officials said 24 people had been killed and more than 500 injured. The back-and-forth between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about all-out war between the rival nations.
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