G-7 statement expresses support for Israel, calls Iran source of instability
The statement issued late on June 16 by the G-7 nations has called for peace and stability in the Middle East. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
WASHINGTON – The Group of Seven (G-7) nations expressed support for Israel and labelled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, in a statement issued late on June 16 that called for peace and stability in the region.
'We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself,' the statement said. 'We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.'
'We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.'
The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on June 13 when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarm in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel's military assault on Gaza in October 2023. REUTERS, AFP
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