Trump refuses to sign G7 statement on Iran conflict

President Donald Trump has decided not to endorse a forthcoming G7 statement focused on the need for de-escalation between Israel and Iran. This development, highlighted by two U.S. officials, indicates that Trump feels no urgency to formalize his stance through the joint communiqué that aims to promote market stability, particularly in the energy sector, while recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense.

A White House representative defended Trump’s position, asserting that the president has already publicly conveyed his views regarding the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. This reflects a consistent pattern of Trump distancing himself from international consensus and emphasizing a solo approach to foreign policy, as previously seen when he opted out of endorsing the Paris Agreement on climate change during his first G7 summit.

During the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Trump characterized Iran’s interest in “talk” as being too late, expressing frustration over what he perceives as missed opportunities for negotiation. While he acknowledged the ongoing aerial conflicts, he remained evasive about potential U.S. military involvement, a typical behavior that further complicates the situation and lacks clarity for allies and adversaries alike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the urgency of eliminating Iran’s nuclear capability, framing the conflict as a shared threat to American interests as well. Yet, Trump’s prior reluctance to endorse military actions seems to have been abandoned, as he later praised Israel’s military strikes against Iran as “excellent,” illustrating a potential inconsistency in his approach to foreign relations.

Despite Trump’s claim of pushing for stable negotiations, his refusal to sign the G7 statement underscores a continued trend of unilateral decision-making that prioritizes personal and political instincts over cooperative international diplomacy. As the world watches this unfolding crisis, it becomes increasingly evident that Trump’s approach could lead to more discord rather than resolution.

(h/t: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-iran-talk-winning-conflict-israel/story?id=122905664)