Trump Cuts G7 Visit Short as Middle East Tensions Escalate
President Donald Trump abruptly shortened his attendance at the Group of Seven summit Monday, departing Canada one day ahead of schedule as Israel-Iran hostilities intensified across the Middle East.
The White House confirmed Trump's early departure following a series of social media posts in which the president issued stark warnings to Iran, including a directive for Tehran residents to "immediately evacuate."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the schedule change on X, citing regional security developments.
"Much was accomplished, but because of what's going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State," Leavitt wrote. She noted Trump had "a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer."
The departure decision came hours after Trump posted multiple messages on Truth Social targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions.
"AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON," Trump wrote in one post.
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The escalating rhetoric follows Friday's Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear installations, which killed several senior Iranian military commanders. Iran launched retaliatory strikes that same day, with U.S. forces assisting Israel in defensive operations.
Since arriving in Kananaskis late Sunday, Trump had conducted bilateral meetings with leaders from Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the European Commission. His truncated schedule eliminated planned Tuesday sessions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, along with a scheduled press conference.
The conflict has placed renewed focus on Trump's Middle East policy, particularly after he suggested Iran might receive a "second chance" for nuclear negotiations following Israel's initial strikes. However, Monday's social media statements and early G7 departure suggest a hardening stance as violence continues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined Monday to rule out targeting Iran's supreme leader, a move Trump had reportedly advised against. Israeli military officials claim to have neutralized Iran's air defense capabilities, potentially giving Israel tactical advantages for future operations.
The president faces mounting questions about potential U.S. military involvement as the regional crisis deepens. While administration officials characterized Israel's initial strikes as unilateral action, American forces provided defensive support during Iran's retaliatory response.
Trump's decision to return to Washington underscores the administration's growing concern about Middle East stability and America's role in the expanding conflict.
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