Donald Trump spent less time at this week’s G7 summit in Canada than most of the group’s other leaders, yet he (fairly predictably) appears to have made the most impact.
Reports say the U.S. president resisted a statement drafted by Canada’s delegation—and, crucially here, backed by European leaders—that was too soft on Iran and asked too much of Israel.
The final version which Trump and the other G7 leaders did sign called Iran “the principal source of regional instability and terror,” adding that it “can never have a nuclear weapon,” while also affirming that “Israel has a right to defend itself.”
This momentarily forced European governments away from their stance that “all parties” must “step back” and towards backing Israel’s war—as europeanconservative.com editor-in-chief Mick Hume put it, “in support of civilisation against barbarism”—albeit reluctantly. The statement added:
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.
French President Emmanuel Macron later revealed he wasn’t completely on board with the messaging, suggesting Trump left the summit early in order to work on an Israel-Iran peace plan. Trump hit back at the “publicity-seeking” French leader, saying:
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. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong.
This has left reporters guessing what plans are underway in Washington, with Trump’s earlier warning that “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” prompting speculation of possible U.S. airstrikes. The president also told reporters he is looking for something “better than a ceasefire,” and that he wants a “complete give-up” by Iran.
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
