G7 leaders have affirmed that “Israel has a right to defend itself” and called Iran “the principal source of regional instability and terror” in a statement addressing escalating Middle East tensions.
The leaders reiterated their “support for the security of Israel” whilst urging “a resolution of the Iranian crisis” that leads to broader regional de-escalation, including a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israel launched an attack on Iran on Friday as Washington and Tehran were conducting nuclear negotiations. Iran says more than 200 people have been killed, mostly civilians and many children. Retaliatory strikes by Iran have killed 24 civilians, according to Israel.
Earlier reports indicated US President Donald Trump refused to sign a statement calling for restraint, de-escalation and diplomacy.
The G7 statement emphasised the importance of protecting civilians and maintained that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon”. Leaders said they remained “consistently clear” on this position.
The group warned they would “remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability”.
The statement called for the Iranian crisis resolution to contribute to “broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza”.
G7 leaders reaffirmed their “commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East” whilst maintaining their support for Israeli security concerns.
(information from The Guardian)
