Meeting in the Canadian Rockies, the leaders of the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan said: “We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. […] Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Airstrikes and casualties
Israel launched what it called a pre-emptive strike on Iran early Friday to “thwart Tehran’s drive for atomic arms.”
Since then, the rivals have traded missile and drone barrages. Iranian officials say at least 220 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, and Israel reports 24 civilian deaths.
Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, says its program is peaceful and allowed under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Israel is not a treaty signatory and neither confirms nor denies possessing atom bombs.
The G7 urged that any settlement of the Iran–Israel crisis “lead to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” and pledged coordination to keep global energy markets stable.
US stance
President Donald Trump has left the summit early to manage the crisis, aides said.
Washington insists it has no role in Israel’s strikes, though Trump said the United States had advance knowledge and called the raids “excellent.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the conflict in calls with UK, French and EU counterparts, the State Department said, adding that Trump still seeks a new nuclear accord with Tehran.
Israel on Monday hit Iran’s state-run broadcaster, while Trump urged civilians to “immediately evacuate Tehran” in a social-media post.
(jh)
Source: Reuters, AP News