G7 leaders affirm that Iran ‘can never have a nuclear weapon’ and emphasize Israel's right to defend itself

The G7 leaders, gathered at a summit in Canada, issued a joint statement Monday urging a "de-escalation" of tensions in the Middle East, while reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself in the context of the growing military crisis with Iran, a country that they warned must never obtain a nuclear weapon.

"We affirm that Israel has the right to defend itself," the text reads."We have made it clear throughout that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."

"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," added the leaders of the group composed of seven of the world's most advanced economies: the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

The statement came after President Donald Trump, who was reappearing on the international diplomatic agenda, withdrew a day before the meeting in the Canadian Rockies, just as Israel stepped up attacks against Iran.

After a day marked by diplomatic statements, Trump issued a warning on social media, directly addressing the citizens of Tehran, a city of nearly 10 million people: "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!"

So far, Trump has avoided saying whether the United States would be involved militarily alongside Israel, although he said his country did not intervene in the initial attacks. The White House noted that U.S. forces are maintaining a defensive stance as of Monday night.

He also stated that it would be a mistake for Iran not to accept a negotiated exit. "It's painful for both parties, but I'd say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it's too late."