Washington/Quebec, June 17 – U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday rejected claims that his early departure from the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada was connected to a ceasefire initiative between Israel and Iran, countering remarks made earlier by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Wrong!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, as he left the summit. “He [Macron] has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that.”
Macron, speaking to reporters at the G7, had asserted that Trump had made a direct proposal for a ceasefire amid the ongoing hostilities between Tehran and Tel Aviv. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions,” Macron had said.
However, Trump’s departure coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East after a sharp escalation between Iran and Israel. The conflict intensified Friday following Israeli air strikes on Iranian territory, sparking retaliatory attacks that have since killed at least 220 people in Iran—mostly civilians—according to officials in Tehran. Israeli sources reported 24 civilian casualties.
Though Trump’s camp denied any link to ceasefire diplomacy, U.S. officials acknowledged that resolving the Middle East crisis remains a top priority, particularly amid concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. Washington reiterated that Trump still seeks a nuclear agreement with Iran, despite the rising regional instability.
Iran, a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. Meanwhile, Israel—widely believed to possess nuclear weapons—remains outside the treaty framework and continues to push for international pressure on Tehran to limit enrichment activities.
The latest round of violence comes against the backdrop of Israel’s continued military campaign in Gaza, launched in October 2023, and has deepened concerns of a broader regional conflict.
