Trump Leaves G-7 Summit Early as Israel-Iran Tension Spikes

By Admin

18 Jun, 2025

President Donald Trump’s abrupt departure from the Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Canada has once again drawn global attention, not just for the timing of his exit but also for what it suggests about his approach to diplomacy. His early exit came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Israel is carrying out military strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

A Hasty Exit in Troubled Times

Trump’s decision to cut short his participation at the summit a gathering of some of the world’s most influential leaders has intensified scrutiny of his promise to bring peace to an increasingly volatile world. Instead of uniting global allies as previous presidents had done during crises, Trump’s exit highlighted his continued skepticism toward multilateral institutions that have historically supported US diplomacy.

While the official reason for leaving was to respond to the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, his move spurred speculation that the US may soon join Israel in its military campaign against Iran. Despite previously advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid actions that could sabotage nuclear negotiations, Trump now appears to align with a campaign he had cautioned against.

Mixed Messages on Iran

The situation became murkier when US officials issued contradictory statements. Trump warned civilians to evacuate Tehran, hinting at a possible escalation, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that the president still believed a nuclear deal with Iran was possible.

On social media, Trump expressed frustration, stating, “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign,” before issuing the stark warning: “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

Fractured Unity Among Allies

Historically, the G-7 has served as a crucial platform for coordinating international responses to global threats   as seen during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Trump’s tendency to sideline allies and disengage from multilateral commitments has left many leaders questioning America’s reliability under his leadership.

At the summit, Trump dismissed calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, adding to tensions among the member nations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of dialogue during such moments, noting, “Between partners, allies and friends, when some problem comes, what we need is to talk.”

Trade Deals and Diplomatic Gaps

Despite efforts to negotiate new trade agreements with key allies, Trump left the summit with no new accords, only reiterating his existing deal with the UK. A mishap during a press event   where signed documents were scattered by the wind   symbolized the unresolved questions about his trade policy, particularly concerning metals tariffs.

According to a German official, during discussions on global economic challenges, G-7 members tried to show Trump that internal division within the group would only benefit China. A visual presentation depicted how the “red zones” representing Chinese influence were expanding.

A Pattern of Early Departures

This is not the first time Trump has left an international summit early. He pulled out of the 2018 G-7 communique after a conflict with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and left early to prepare for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A year later, he canceled a NATO summit press conference following another clash with Trudeau.

His early exits often serve as a form of political theater, allowing him to express dissatisfaction or pivot to issues where he believes he has greater leverage. At the current summit, Trump was reportedly irritable   lashing out at reporters, rebuking longtime ally Tucker Carlson, and relying on social media to communicate late into the night.

World Watches as Conflict Looms

Back in the Middle East, the Israel-Iran conflict continues to intensify. It is the most serious escalation to date, with grave implications for regional stability, global trade, and energy markets. US financial markets responded with uncertainty: futures dipped 0.4%, gold prices rose, and oil fluctuated following Trump’s remarks.

Although G-7 leaders released a statement calling for de-escalation, they stopped short of demanding an immediate end to hostilities, instead affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. Yet, this diplomatic balancing act reflects broader uncertainty about the future of US leadership on the world stage.

Conclusion: A Leadership in Question

Trump’s early exit from the summit and the mixed messages from his administration only reinforce concerns among America’s allies. Many now question whether the president is still steering events or being overtaken by them.

As G-7 members consider shifting alliances, strengthening their own security frameworks, and reducing dependence on US aid, one thing remains clear: global diplomacy is evolving, and traditional alliances are being tested like never before.