G7 Leaders Issue Statement, Call Iran ‘Source Of Regional Instability’

The leaders of the Group of Seven nations issued a joint statement on Monday asserting that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon” and urged for a de-escalation in the middle-east. In the statement, the G7 nations labelled Iran as a source of conflict in the region and stated that "Israel has a right to defend itself".

The leaders reaffirmed their “commitment to peace and stability” in the region. "We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel," the G7 leaders said in the statement. "Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror," and stated that the G7 was "clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," the statement added.

The statement issued by the leaders also said that "We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”

Iran has denied the claims that it is seeking nuclear weapons. It has been accused of enriching high-grade uranium amid discussions of a nuclear deal with the United States. Iran has refuted the claims stating that it has a right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

Amid the escalations, United States President Donald Trump has asserted that Tehran should be evacuated immediately. The White House released a statement claiming that Trump exited the summit a day early due to tensions in the middle east. Trump has denied signing the joint statement from the Group of Seven leaders for de-escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran.

The tensions began when Israel attacked Iran targeting its military leaders and nuclear infrastructure.