- Tuesday, June 17, 2025
President Donald Trump abruptly exits the G7 summit to address the growing Middle East crisis, warning of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and urging immediate evacuation of Tehran as tensions with Israel reach a boiling point.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
President Donald Trump is set to return to Washington, D.C., earlier than planned from the G7 summit in Canada, citing urgent matters related to the escalating Middle East crisis.
The White House confirmed the decision late Monday (16), with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
The President’s early departure underscores the gravity of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has rapidly intensified in recent days. Trump has requested that the National Security Council be prepared in the situation room upon his return, according to Fox News host Lawrence Jones.
“Everyone Should Immediately Evacuate Tehran”
“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 pic.twitter.com/oniUSgsMWA
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 16, 2025
While still in Canada, President Trump took to social media to issue a stark warning regarding the situation in Iran’s capital. In an urgent post, he wrote, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” The message was coupled with a reiteration of his hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions: “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”
Trump criticized Iran’s leadership for not signing the deal he had proposed, referencing the recent Israeli attack and its human toll. “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and a waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he wrote.
Refusal to Sign G7 Statement on Israel-Iran Conflict
Amid the mounting crisis, a rift has emerged among G7 leaders regarding the appropriate response to the Israel-Iran conflict. A U.S. official revealed on Monday that President Trump refused to sign a draft statement from the Group of Seven leaders that called for de-escalation.
The draft, seen by Reuters, also commits to “safeguarding market stability, including energy markets, says Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, and that Israel has the right to defend itself.”
Trump’s refusal signals a more hawkish approach and a reluctance to endorse collective calls for restraint. Instead, the President has repeatedly insisted that Iran must curb its nuclear program before it is “too late.” At the summit, he asserted, “They have to make a deal,” and warned that Iranian leaders had already been given 60 days to reach an agreement on their nuclear ambitions before the Israeli aerial assault began.
“I Don’t Want to Talk About That”: U.S. Military Involvement
G7 Summit 2025 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3MYQ0l3prL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 16, 2025
When pressed by reporters about what it would take for the U.S. to become militarily involved in the conflict, Trump remained noncommittal. “I don’t want to talk about that,” he said Monday morning, leaving open the possibility of future action while refusing to specify any red lines.
G7 Diplomats Continue Discussions Amid Trump’s Departure
Despite Trump’s early exit, Canadian and European diplomats confirmed that G7 attendees are continuing discussions on the conflict at the summit in Canada, which is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday (17). The ongoing talks aim to address not only the immediate crisis but also broader issues such as market stability and energy security.
A Day of High-Stakes Diplomacy
Earlier in the day, President Trump had hailed a “great day at the G7,” highlighting the signing of a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, the focus quickly shifted to the Middle East as the situation deteriorated.
Trump’s urgent call for the evacuation of Tehran and his refusal to endorse the G7’s de-escalation statement underscore the seriousness with which the U.S. administration is treating the Iran-Israel conflict.
As the Trump returns to Washington to convene with his national security team, the world watches closely for the next steps in a crisis that threatens to spiral further out of control.
