Iran escalates conflict with missile strikes on Israeli cities - G7 tensions rise

Iran has intensified the Middle East conflict by launching missile strikes on Israeli cities, targeting densely populated areas between Tel Aviv and Haifa, in retaliation for a surprise Israeli attack.

The G7 leaders, representing the world's largest advanced economies, condemned Iran as the "principal source of regional instability and terror" and reaffirmed their position that "Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."

In response to the escalating violence, the G7 called for a resolution to the "Iranian crisis" and urged a "broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza."

U.S. President Donald Trump left the G7 summit in Canada a day early, citing "obvious reasons" related to the Middle East situation. While French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Trump was considering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Trump denied this, stating his early departure had "nothing to do with" ceasefire efforts.

Despite the tensions, Trump confirmed he had received signals through intermediaries that Iran might want to de-escalate the fighting.

The G7 economies involved include the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, with additional participation from the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Ukraine, and South Korea.

The missile strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising international concerns and intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence.

"G7 leaders condemned Iran for being the 'principal source of regional instability and terror,' reiterating the stance that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."
"After the surprise Israeli attack on Friday morning, Iran has carried out retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli cities, focusing on the most populated areas between Tel Aviv and the port of Haifa."
"Donald Trump dramatically left the G7 Summit in Canada a day early to rush back to Washington, with the French president claiming the US leader was considering the prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran."
"The leaders of the world’s largest advanced economies called for a resolution to the 'Iranian crisis' and a 'broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.'"

Iran escalated tensions in the Middle East with missile strikes on Israeli cities following an Israeli attack, prompting G7 leaders to condemn Iran as the main source of regional instability. U.S. President Trump left the G7 summit early amid talks of a ceasefire, while calls for broader de-escalation grow.