G7 Issues Joint Statement: "Iran Must Never Acquire Nuclear Weapons"

Calls for De-escalation to Iran
President Trump Also Signs the Statement
Appears to Have Joined After NYT Report

G7 leaders attending the G7 Summit held from the 15th to 17th (local time) in Alberta, Canada, are taking a commemorative photo on the 16th. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) adopted a joint statement on the 16th (local time), calling for "de-escalation" by Iran, which is engaged in an armed conflict with Israel.

According to foreign media outlets such as AFP and Reuters, the G7 leaders made this announcement in a statement released after their summit held in Kananaskis, Canada, on this day, declaring, "We affirm that Israel has the right to defend itself."

The leaders stated, "We have consistently and clearly stated that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons," and added, "We urge that a resolution of the Iran crisis should lead to broader de-escalation in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip."

The New York Times (NYT) reported that the joint statement adopted this time referred to Iran as "the main source of regional instability and terrorism," and confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump, who returned early that day due to the situation in the Middle East, also signed the joint statement.

Previously, the NYT had reported, citing a White House official who requested anonymity, that President Trump had decided not to sign the G7 joint statement calling for de-escalation between Israel and Iran. However, it now appears that he may have changed his position.

The following is the full text of the joint statement published by the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

As G7 leaders, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

In this regard, we reiterate that Israel has the right to self-defense and reaffirm our support for Israel's security.

We also emphasize the importance of protecting civilians.

Iran is a major cause of regional instability and terrorism.

We have consistently made clear that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons.

We urge that the resolution of the Iran crisis should lead to the de-escalation of hostilities across the Middle East, including a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

We will closely monitor the potential impact on international energy markets and are prepared to respond, including in cooperation with like-minded partners, to maintain market stability.