G7 Backs Israel’s Right To Defend Itself, Calls Iran ‘Source Of Terror’ As Middle East Conflict Escalates

<p>Ahead of the critical G7 Summit meeting in Canada, leaders of the forum have issued a statement on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, reiterating their commitment to peace while endorsing Israel’s right to defend itself.</p>
<p>”We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians,” the statement read.</p>
<p>The G7 nations also labelled Iran as the principal source of instability and terror in the region.&nbsp;</p>
<p>”Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. 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.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability,” the G7 leaders’ statement read.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has left the G7 summit early, indicating that he is trying to strike a deal with Iran to end the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters at the G7 summit that Trump has made an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, CNN reported.</p>
<p>”There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions,” Macron told reporters.</p>
<p>”If the United States of America can achieve a ceasefire, it is a very good thing and France will support it, and we wish for it,” Macron added.</p>
<p>Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social, urging people to evacuate Iran and strongly advocating the case for Iran not to have a nuclear weapon.</p>
<p>”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 have said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he posted</p>
<p>”America First means many great things, including the fact that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Make America great again, he said in another post.<br />The Israel-Iran conflict is in its fifth day, with both sides trading missile strikes. Civilians in key areas face waves of attacks. According to a CNN report, in Iran, at least 224 people have been killed since hostilities began. In Israel, 24 people have been killed.</p>
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<p>(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)</p>