Trump's Early Departure from G7 Summit: What He Revealed on His Flight Back to the U.S.

President Donald Trump made a sudden exit from the G7 summit in Canada, leaving world leaders in a state of surprise. The official reason? To oversee the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran from the White House. Initially planned to stay through Tuesday night, Trump was set to engage in discussions focused on the Middle Eastern conflict. Yet, after a series of bilateral meetings, including one with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump decided to depart early.

The White House issued a statement shortly thereafter, explaining that the President was heading back to Washington to "directly supervise the situation from the Oval Office." As Trump boarded Air Force One, he commented, “I have to return early for obvious reasons,” without delving into specifics.

Before takeoff, Trump raised alarms with a cryptic message on his Truth Social platform: “Everyone must evacuate Tehran immediately!” This warning, lacking further explanation, sparked international concern. Trump later described it as a safety concern for civilians but provided no additional details. “I want people to be safe,” he assured on the flight home.

Diplomatic Challenges and Military Stance

During the journey back, Trump spoke with reporters, making bold statements about the conflict's direction. “I didn’t say I’m looking for a ceasefire,” he clarified. “I want a real end” to Iran's nuclear program. Trump's aim, he stated, is not merely to halt the current hostilities but to see Iran fully abandon uranium enrichment. “I want a real end, with Iran completely giving up nuclear weapons. I hope the Iranian nuclear program is dismantled before we have to take further action,” he indicated.

He also predicted that Israel would not ease its military actions: “You’ll see in the next two days. Nobody has slowed down yet.” When asked about National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard’s assessment that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon, Trump was dismissive: “I don’t care what she said. I believe they were very close to having them,” he asserted.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed a report on Trump's press engagement on X, describing him as "the most transparent president in history."

Engagement Strategies Amidst Conflict

According to CBS News, sources within the administration indicated that Trump had instructed his team, including envoy Steve Witkoff and potentially Vice President JD Vance, to attempt to meet with Iranian representatives “as soon as possible.” However, Trump tempered his willingness: “I might do it, depending on what happens when I get back. I’m not in the mood to negotiate right now.” Tehran, on the other hand, reportedly communicated through intermediaries in Qatar and Oman their readiness to negotiate—but only after Israeli attacks cease.

National Security Concerns

Addressing potential threats to American interests in the region, Trump emphasized that Iran should avoid targeting U.S. troops: “If they do anything against our people, we will respond with great force,” he warned. He declined to comment on whether the Pentagon had provided contingency plans for an Iranian attack.

G7 Tensions and Russia's Role

Trump’s early departure left the G7 in a challenging position. Initially reluctant to endorse a joint statement urging restraint in the Middle East, he eventually agreed after amendments were made to the document’s language. The statement reiterated that Iran “must never acquire nuclear weapons” and expressed support for Israel's security.

Trump also reignited tensions with Emmanuel Macron by publicly contradicting the French President, who had suggested Trump was leaving to push for a ceasefire: “Wrong! He has no idea why I'm on my way to Washington," Trump retorted. He further stirred debate by criticizing Russia's exclusion from the G7: “It was a big mistake. I think there wouldn’t be war now if Russia was still in the group.”

As Trump returned to the U.S., Israel intensified its attacks on Iran, targeting military facilities and state media, and eliminating high-ranking Iranian military officials, including the new chief of staff. The death toll in Iran has surpassed 220, with at least 24 reported dead in Israel. The world now watches closely to see if diplomacy can still avert further escalation in this volatile conflict.