Peston: G7 seems split on Israel's conflict with Iran
Sir Keir Starmer said that the G7's statement was not an endorsement of Israel's attack, and that 'it uses the word de-escalation', as ITV News' Political Editor, Robert Peston reports from Banff
Compare and contrast the statements made simultaneously on the fringes of the G7 leaders' summit in Canada by the UK's PM Starmer and Germany's Merz.
Both leaders were being interviewed by their respective TV media in the gorgeous setting of the Kananaskis golf club, just ten minutes from the summit, in Alberta, Canada. From my vantage on the downstairs terrace, I could see my German colleagues on the balcony.
UK and German journalists asked the same simple questions. Was Israel right to bomb Iran? How close is Iran to acquiring nuclear weapons capability? What next?
The way I put it, in my interview with Starmer, was that the G7 statement on Israel and Iran read to me like an endorsement of Israel's attack. I asked whether that's what it was.
Starmer said: 'No. It uses the word de-escalation and I've been absolutely clear that de-escalation is what is needed here.'
So that is clear isn't it? The G7 leaders of the US, UK, France, Germany and so on are only interested in a ceasefire, says Starmer.
Contrast that with what Merz said to my German counterparts.
He warned that Iran must withdraw from its nuclear program, and if it refuses, 'the complete destruction of the Iranian nuclear program is on the agenda.'
He stressed that Israel does not have all the weaponry and resources to achieve this on its own. And he added: "Israel has the courage to do the dirty work for all of us'.
There are similarities between Merz's belligerent comments and what President Trump said last night when talking to reporters after leaving the G7 a day early, namely that occupants of Tehran should evacuate for their safety and that he was 'not too much in the mood to negotiate'.
Much of the US media thinks this means the US could support Israel's attacks with its own planes and weapons. And Merz implies he agrees with that interpretation.
So I asked Starmer whether Trump is contemplating that kind of military coordination with Israel. This was his reply: 'I don't think that can be read into his comments and we sat here last night for the best part of two hours with the President, put out a G7 statement very shortly afterwards. Which was clear about…the need to de-escalate across the region'.
So whose tone and substance is closer to the truth about where Trump is heading, and indeed what Israel may do next?
Should we expect de-escalation or escalation?
While many may applaud Starmer's efforts to lower the temperature, his words may not capture the mood and intent of the leaders of the US and Germany.
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