United States President Donald Trump has left the G7 summit in Canada earlier than expected, sparking questions about his next move in the growing conflict between Israel and Iran.
While G7 leaders urged calm and called for a reduction in violence in Gaza, Trump did not join in any push for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Instead, he simply told reporters he had “big stuff” to handle back in Washington.
His sudden exit came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s attacks on Iran were “fully coordinated” with the United States. But Trump’s own remarks left observers confused. On his Truth Social account, he wrote that his departure had “nothing to do with a Cease Fire”, even though the White House had earlier said it was linked to events in the Middle East.
This back-and-forth has only added to the uncertainty. Trump’s stance on the Israel-Iran crisis has shifted more than once, sometimes offering full support for Israel’s military actions, and other times distancing himself from them.
Experts say Trump now faces tough decisions. If he supports Israel too strongly, the US could be pulled into a wider war. If he steps back, he may look weak on national security, a sensitive issue as he eyes re-election.
Military options are also risky. Although the US has sent more forces to the region to strengthen its defence, officials say they are not planning to directly join Israel’s offensive. Still, Trump’s earlier call for Iranians to evacuate Tehran has raised fears of deeper US involvement.
At the G7 summit, other world leaders stressed the need for peace. In their joint statement, they said Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, and that Israel had the right to protect itself. But they stopped short of asking for an Israel-Iran ceasefire, likely to keep the group united despite different opinions.
French President Emmanuel Macron had suggested Trump was working on a ceasefire plan. Trump later attacked him online, saying, “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington.”
With Trump back in the US, attention now shifts to what steps he might take. He missed scheduled talks at the summit with the leaders of Ukraine and Mexico and has yet to give clear details about his plans for dealing with Iran.
