G7 exit has ‘nothing to do' with Israel-Iran ceasefire, says Trump
US President Donald Trump departed the G7 gathering a day early. (AP pic)
CALGARY : US President Donald Trump said his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada today had 'nothing to do' with a possible ceasefire between Israel and Iran, adding that France's leader had been 'wrong' to suggest otherwise.
'Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a 'cease fire' between Israel and Iran,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
'Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!'
Macron had suggested that the US was ready to make a diplomatic overture to Iran.
'There was an offer made for a meeting and an exchange,' Macron told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
'If the US can obtain a ceasefire, it is a very good thing,' the French president said.
Trump departed the G7 gathering a day early, as US ally Israel and Iran traded fire for a fifth straight day.
The leaders of industrial democracies today called for 'de-escalation' in the Middle East starting with the Israel-Iran conflict, stressing that Israel 'has a right to defend itself' and that civilians needed to be protected on both sides.
At a group photo with fellow G7 leaders before his departure, Trump said: 'I have to be back as soon as I can. I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand, this is big stuff.'
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