The White House stated the US president had to leave the G7 summit early due to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
President Donald Trump departed the G7 summit in Canada earlier than planned, foregoing a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, according to the White House, which cited the recent escalation in the Middle East as the reason.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that the US president is leaving the gathering in Kananaskis, Alberta, “so he can attend to many important matters.” She also posted on X that Trump “had a great day at the G7,” but that “because of what’s going on in the Middle East, [he] will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
Zelensky’s meeting with Trump was expected to provide an opportunity to press the US to increase sanctions against Russia and approve additional weapons shipments to Ukraine.
However, Trump has been hesitant to increase pressure on Moscow, with reports suggesting he is dissatisfied with both Ukraine and Russia and is considering withdrawing from the peace process entirely.
French President Emmanuel Macron implied that Trump’s early departure was related to ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Iran. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange,” Macron stated. “The US assured they will find a ceasefire, and since they can pressure Israel, things may change.”
Trump, however, rejected this claim shortly afterward, criticizing Macron for being “publicity seeking” and spreading misinformation. “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 posted on the Truth Social network.
The recent escalation in the Middle East began after US-Iran talks on a potential nuclear agreement stalled. Iran rejected a US demand to completely halt its uranium enrichment activities, while not dismissing a potential agreement outright. Tehran has also maintained that it is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons and that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
As the diplomatic process faltered, Israel launched several waves of strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites last week, resulting in the deaths of high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists.
Iran responded with significant missile strikes on Israel, while the US has affirmed West Jerusalem’s right to self-defense and has increased its assets in the region to protect its long-standing ally. Nevertheless, Washington has urged Tehran to resume negotiations.
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