Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers opening remarks at the first session of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta., on Monday.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
The Group of Seven countries released a statement Monday supporting Israel and condemning Iran as both countries launched fresh attacks on each other.
G7 Leaders are currently meeting at a summit in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
The United States signed on to the statement even though U.S. President Donald Trump quit the G7 Leaders summit early Monday night, citing the tensions in the Mideast.
“We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,” the G7 countries said.
Members include the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan, France, Canada and Italy.
“In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” the G7 said.
Conversely, the group labelled Iran as the “principal source of regional instability and terror,” adding “we have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Iran is also an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, helping him wage war on Ukraine by supplying him with equipment and weapons.
The G7 said it wants the resolution of the Iranian crisis to lead to a “broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”
The latest Israel-Iran conflict began last week when Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities and killed senior members of its military.
Oil prices have so far not spiked but the Group of Seven said they are ready to respond if necessary.
“We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability,” the group said.