US President Donald Trump departed a day early from the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada on 16 June 2025.
The White House cited the Israel-Iran conflict as the reason.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this, stating that “what’s going on in the Middle East” prompted the action.
Trump called a Situation Room meeting with National Security Council personnel in Washington.
Before his departure, Trump urged Iranians on Truth Social to “immediately evacuate Tehran” due to rising tensions.
“Iran should have signed the “deal” I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” – President Donald J. Trump
Trump also labelled French President Macron’s assertion that his departure was related to a ceasefire as “Wrong!” on Truth Social.
SUMMIT DYNAMICS SHIFTED BY TRUMP’S EXIT
President Donald Trump initially objected to the G7’s de-escalation statement, which led to changes before he signed.
The final statement called for the de-escalation of Gaza, referred to Iran as a “principal source of regional instability”, and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defence.
Following Trump’s exit, the remaining six leaders continued to advance global trade, energy security, and Ukraine.
G7 LEADERS STRESS COORDINATION
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on G7 leaders to support more sanctions against Russia to increase pressure.
She emphasised that “sanctions are critical” to bringing Russia to the negotiating table, securing a genuine ceasefire, and ending the war.
In order to sustain concerted international pressure, von der Leyen also urged the G7 allies to support the EU’s proposed 18th sanctions package.
At the summit, President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a trade deal that lowered tariffs on UK cars and planes.
EU leaders, like von der Leyen and António Costa, called for an end to protectionist policies and an opening up of trade.
Trump reaffirmed his belief that Russia’s exclusion from the G8 in 2014 was a “mistake” at the G7 summit in Kananaskis on 16 June 2025.
He asserted that Russia’s presence might have prevented the conflict in Ukraine.
G7 allies reaffirmed Russia’s annexation of Crimea as the legitimate reason for its removal.
DO TRUMP’S THREATS HELP OR HURT EFFORTS TO DIFFUSE THE SITUATION WITH IRAN?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
