Donald Trump abruptly departed the G7 Summit in Canada on Monday evening, citing the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that the US president had received an offer—via intermediaries—aimed at securing a ceasefire and restarting broader discussions between the two adversaries.
“There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kickstart broader discussions,”
Macron said, adding that while immediate change was unlikely, “since the US assured they will find a ceasefire and since they can pressure Israel, things may change.”
Macron described the development as a potentially positive step and called for renewed negotiations and the protection of civilians.
Trump returns to Washington
Trump, who has shown little enthusiasm for G7 summits in the past, said he needed to return to Washington for “obvious reasons” and to brief his national security council.
The White House noted that “much was accomplished,” but the Middle East situation required his attention.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president would depart after dinner with other heads of state.
At a morning meeting, Trump told reporters he had received indirect indications that Iran was looking to de-escalate tensions.
Throughout the day, he reiterated that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon—an ambition Iran continues to deny.
Several attempts have been made to deescalate
Macron’s remarks came after two days of mediation efforts by Gulf States, attempting to broker a ceasefire and resume stalled nuclear negotiations.
Those talks were abandoned by Iran following the continued escalation in the conflict.
European leaders were also active. In a joint phone call, the French, German, and British foreign ministers urged Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to avoid retaliating against the US or regional players and to refrain from leaving the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
They also pressed Iran to maintain cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
While Israel has reportedly urged the US to join the military campaign, US officials publicly denied any immediate plans for direct intervention.
The White House and Pentagon both emphasized that Washington’s stance remained defensive.
In a social media post, Trump warned Iranians to evacuate Tehran, suggesting he was not currently restraining Israel’s actions.
However, his administration has maintained that it seeks to avoid escalating the conflict further.
A joint G7 statement late Monday reiterated support for de-escalation, reaffirmed Israel’s “right to defend itself,” and labeled Iran “the principal source of regional instability and terror.”
The leaders also pledged to monitor energy market impacts and coordinate with partners to maintain stability.
Addressing reporters, Macron warned against any pursuit of regime change through military means.
“Anyone who believes that by striking with bombs from outside you save a country in spite of itself and against itself has always been wrong,” he said.
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