Middle President Donald Trump announced Monday that he would leave the G7 summit in Canada earlier than scheduled to return to Washington, citing the rapidly intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. His early departure follows a stern warning he posted on social media urging Iranians to “immediately evacuate” Tehran, signaling growing concern over the region’s stability.
Middle The White House confirmed his decision, stating he was returning “because of what’s going on in the Middle East.” Though Trump offered no additional details at the time, his urgency was evident.
Initially scheduled to remain at the summit until Tuesday, Trump began shifting focus midday Monday, hinting at potential U.S. involvement or diplomatic efforts. “Iran is basically at the negotiating table,” he said.
Iran Warning and Diplomatic Push
In one of his most dramatic statements yet, Trump used his Truth Social account to issue a cryptic warning: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” While he offered no context, the message appeared to be a pressure tactic aimed at forcing Iran into negotiations.
Behind the scenes, Trump instructed his Middle East team, including envoy Steve Witkoff, to urgently pursue talks with Iranian officials. According to sources familiar with the administration’s efforts, Trump was eager to test whether Tehran was serious about diplomacy in light of escalating tensions and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military leadership.
Since Israel’s initial missile barrage the previous week, Trump has publicly urged Iran to return to the negotiating table while privately encouraging continuous backchannel communication through intermediaries.
During the G7, he told European leaders that discussions for a ceasefire were in motion and suggested U.S. officials might meet Iranian counterparts within days. A senior U.S. official confirmed the contacts but emphasized that any military response by the U.S. would only occur if American interests were directly threatened.
White House: U.S. Forces Remain Defensive
A regional diplomat confirmed that the U.S. had communicated with allies, clarifying that it would not participate in hostilities unless attacked by Iran. Trump reportedly ordered his national security staff to convene in the White House Situation Room, though it remained unclear whether he expected an immediate meeting or one upon his return to Washington.
Shift on G7 Statement
Initially hesitant to endorse a G7 joint statement urging de-escalation, Trump eventually gave his approval after some language was revised. While American officials had suggested earlier that Trump was unlikely to sign due to concerns over the phrasing, adjustments calling for a diplomatic resolution and respect for international law won his support.
The final statement affirmed the group’s commitment to peace in the Middle East, supporting Israel’s right to self-defense while condemning Iran’s destabilizing actions. “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement read.
A White House official explained that Trump’s initial reluctance stemmed from his belief that his personal statements already conveyed his position. Still, European diplomats had pushed for American inclusion to present a united international front. Trump’s eventual agreement marked a rare point of consensus amid an otherwise tense summit.
G7 Leaders Push for Clarity
Despite his eventual cooperation, several European leaders remained uncertain about Trump’s long-term plans for the Middle East. They pressed him for details on how he intends to handle the Israel-Iran conflict and whether he would exert influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to de-escalate military actions.
Russia as Mediator?
Another point of contention at the summit emerged over Trump’s apparent openness to allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron strongly disagreed, arguing that Russia’s violation of the UN Charter during its invasion of Ukraine disqualified it from playing any peacekeeping role.
The division between Trump and Macron over Russia’s involvement was clear during their public appearances Monday. Trump criticized the G7’s prior decision to expel Russia in 2014, claiming it had been a strategic error.
However, he later acknowledged the complexity of reintegrating Putin, stating, “I’m not saying he should [rejoin] at this point, because too much water has gone over the dam.”
Countdown to Consequences
Much of the current tension traces back to a two-month ultimatum Trump issued to Iran earlier this spring, demanding they reach a new nuclear agreement or face consequences. That deadline expired on Friday — day 61 — which coincided with Israel’s aggressive strikes on Iranian targets.
Trump has remained vague about what could trigger direct U.S. military involvement, declining to comment on whether American intelligence is aiding Israeli efforts or what circumstances might prompt intervention.
Pressed repeatedly, Trump deflected: “I don’t want to talk about that,” he said. “I want to see no nuclear weapon in Iran, and we’re well on our way to making sure that happens.”
Earlier Monday, before the summit officially began, Trump told reporters he believed Iran wanted to de-escalate.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s abrupt departure from the G7 has left world leaders and observers wondering whether diplomacy can prevail in a region already teetering on the brink of war. With tensions high and negotiations uncertain, much now depends on Trump’s next steps from Washington — and whether Iran is willing to respond.