Trump Leaves the G7, Amid the Middle East Crisis

Calgary, June 17, 2025: 

Calgary On Monday night, former US President Donald Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Calgary, primarily due to growing tensions in the Middle East. "I have to be back as soon as I can," Trump told reporters. "This is big stuff," he said, adding that he would not be attending the summit's last sessions, which would include a meeting with President Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine. 

The White House clarified that growing tensions between Israel and Iran were the primary cause of Trump's early resignation. He called for a "complete give-up" of Iran's nuclear ambitions and told his national security team to meet in the White House Situation Room. He issued a harsh warning on Truth Social: "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran."

Shortly after the G7 leaders finalized a joint statement advocating for a more comprehensive de-escalation in the region, Trump left office. In order to maintain stability in the world's energy markets, that statement called for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. "If the United States can achieve a ceasefire, that's a very good thing," French President Emmanuel Macron said, confirming that Trump had brought up the possibility of a ceasefire. Given the crisis, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Trump's departure was "understandable."

Trump famously refused to sign the full communiqué on the Middle East, but the other G7 leaders pledged to make diplomatic progress despite his absence. Senior US officials are reportedly still working on potential ceasefire talks, despite Israel and Iran continuing to launch a barrage of missile and drone attacks that are seriously harming both sides. 

In order to strengthen America's defensive posture, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment of more US assets to the Middle East. "Protecting US forces is our top priority," he affirmed.

Trump's abrupt departure has intensified domestic discussion in the US, with hawkish Republicans applauding his assertive tone and Democrats calling for congressional approval for any military action. On X, Senator Lindsey Graham wrote, "Iran played the same old game with the wrong guy." As the G7 comes to an end, focus is turning to Washington, where Trump is under increasing pressure from around the world to control the Middle East crisis while also supervising growing military and diplomatic events.