'Because of What's Going On in Middle East': Trump Leaves G7 Early
"...but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – U.S. President Donald Trump is cutting his participation at the G7 summit short and heading back to Washington on Monday night, following escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. In a post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) June 16, 2025
Trump’s early departure comes as Israel launches a major military operation against Iran. In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, the president issued a stark warning: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” He added, “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again!”
According to CNN, a White House official said the president’s urgent tone reflects the administration’s view that the window for diplomacy remains open — but narrowing. Trump has reportedly been in constant communication with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top national security aides during the G7 meetings in the Canadian Rockies.
Earlier in the day, Trump signaled that diplomacy may resume soon, telling reporters, “I think Iran basically is at the negotiating table where they want to make a deal, and as soon as I leave here, we’re going to be doing something.” His remarks came as leaders at the summit focused increasingly on the volatile situation in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that Vice President JD Vance, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, and senior aides were seen huddling at the White House, underscoring the high-level coordination now underway.
The crisis continues to escalate, with U.S. officials watching closely for further developments on the ground in both Iran and Israel.
