On June 16, 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines by leaving the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada a day early, driven by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The abrupt departure from the Kananaskis resort in Alberta underscored the severity of the Middle East conflict, which has seen five days of intense airstrikes and rising casualties. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X that Trump’s decision was prompted by “what’s going on in the Middle East,” highlighting the administration’s focus on addressing the crisis.
Trump’s return to Washington was marked by a sense of urgency. He requested the National Security Council be ready in the Situation Room upon his arrival, signaling preparations for high-level discussions. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed his desire for a “real end” to the Israel-Iran conflict, rejecting a mere ceasefire. He suggested deploying Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to negotiate with Iranian officials, a move that could indicate a diplomatic push amid the military escalation.
The conflict, which intensified after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran following claims that Tehran was nearing nuclear weapon development, has caused significant loss of life. Iranian state media reported 224 deaths, including key figures close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while Israel confirmed 24 civilian casualties. Both nations have traded heavy fire, with Israel claiming control of Iranian airspace and Iran firing nearly 400 ballistic missiles, 35 of which penetrated Israel’s defenses. The violence has also disrupted global energy markets, with concerns over potential strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s rhetoric has been firm. He warned Iran against attacking U.S. assets, promising a severe response if American troops are targeted. He also controversially urged Tehran’s 10 million residents to evacuate, claiming it was for their safety, though he denied any specific threat. This statement, coupled with his assertion that Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon—contradicting March 2024 testimony from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard—has raised concerns about the accuracy of U.S. intelligence assessments.
Despite his early exit, Trump and other G7 leaders issued a joint statement calling for de-escalation and affirming Israel’s right to self-defense while labeling Iran the “principal source” of regional instability. The group reiterated that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon. However, Trump initially hesitated to sign the statement, hinting at broader ambitions, possibly a new nuclear deal with Iran. His comments about a “much bigger” plan on Truth Social added intrigue to his strategy.
The G7 summit itself saw progress on other fronts. Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer advanced trade negotiations, adjusting tariffs as part of a larger deal, though steel tariffs remain in place. Leavitt emphasized that “much was accomplished” despite the shortened visit, reflecting the administration’s ability to multitask amid global crises.
As the Israel-Iran conflict continues, the world watches closely. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iran’s Supreme Leader of severe consequences, while Iran’s leadership faces internal challenges after losing key military figures. The U.N.’s nuclear watchdog reported damage to Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility, further complicating the nuclear question. With Trump back in Washington, the coming days will likely reveal whether his administration can broker a resolution or if the Middle East will face further escalation.
