Trump Cuts Short G7 Summit Amid Middle ‍East Tensions

President Trump⁣ departed the G7 summit in Canada early,citing escalating tensions ⁤in the Middle East as the reason for his return to Washington. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the change in‍ schedule Monday ⁤night.

Trump, who had arrived in Canada on Sunday, met ⁤with Canadian and U.K. leaders before his abrupt ‍departure. He⁢ alluded to the Israel-Iran conflict as the⁣ catalyst.

“Much was ⁤accomplished, but‍ as of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight,” leavitt stated on X.

When questioned about his early exit, Trump vaguely cited ‍”obvious reasons.”

Before leaving Canada, Trump posted on ⁤Truth Social that‍ his return was unrelated to ceasefire talks between Israel and Iran, a topic reportedly raised by French President Emmanuel Macron.

“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,” Trump wrote.

Secretary ⁣of State Marco rubio⁢ also returned to Washington.

U.S. officials have stated that the U.S. is not participating in Israel’s military actions.‍ Reports ⁤that the National Security Council and Situation Room were being prepped for Trump’s return were downplayed, with officials noting that NSC members are always on standby.

Canadian Prime‍ Minister Mark Carney‘s office confirmed they were informed of Trump’s departure through official channels.

The Middle East⁢ situation dominated discussions at the G7 summit. trump mentioned speaking with numerous⁤ parties regarding Israel and Iran during his meeting with British prime Minister Keir⁣ Starmer.

“I’ve spoken to everybody. Israel is⁢ doing ⁢very well,⁣ as⁣ you probably noticed,” Trump said, suggesting a ⁢deal might be imminent and that Iran would ⁤be “foolish not to sign ⁤one.”

Following reports‍ that Iran signaled a desire to⁤ de-escalate the conflict, Trump acknowledged awareness of these messages during his meeting with the Canadian prime minister.

He stated ⁤Iran wants to talk now, but should have‍ done ⁤so earlier. “It’s painful for both parties, but⁢ I’d say Iran is not winning this war. And they⁤ should talk,and they should talk promptly before it’s too late.”

Trump’s return comes amid heightened tensions, with‍ Israel and Iran exchanging ⁢airstrikes and‍ missile attacks. ⁢Israel has reportedly targeted iran’s nuclear program and military officials, while ⁣iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes.

Trump also ‍posted on ⁢Truth Social urging the evacuation of Tehran‍ after⁤ reports of Israeli strikes ⁤on Iranian state television.

U.S.officials have publicly and⁤ privately maintained that the U.S. is not involved in‍ Israel’s strikes, even though Israel informed the U.S. beforehand, and the U.S. has assisted⁤ in intercepting Iranian missiles. It was previously reported ⁢that Trump rejected a plan from ‍Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ⁤to assassinate⁣ iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali khamenei.

Netanyahu, when asked about targeting Khamenei, stated, “We’re doing what we need ‍to do,” and argued it would end, not escalate, the conflict. He⁣ accused Iran of bringing the world to the brink of⁣ nuclear war.

The Trump administration has cautioned Iran against attacking U.S. military bases in the region. Trump has also pushed for a deal ⁢to limit Iran’s nuclear program, though talks are currently stalled. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, despite increasing it’s‍ enriched uranium stockpile.