KANANASKIS, Alberta — President Donald Trump unexpectedly cut short his attendance at the G7 summit in Canada, announcing his early departure to return to Washington. The decision came just after he posted a cryptic social media message hinting at intensified conflict in Iran, including a shocking call for the evacuation of Tehran.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on X that “much was accomplished” during Trump’s meetings with world leaders, but cited “what’s going on in the Middle East” as the reason for his early exit following dinner with heads of state.
Trump’s abrupt change of plans fueled existing uncertainty surrounding Israel’s ongoing military operations in Iran. His ominous Truth Social post late Monday amplified these concerns. “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life,” Trump wrote. “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again!” He concluded with an alarming directive: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
This post followed a day of G7 meetings where European officials reportedly suggested the U.S. was hindering a joint statement advocating for an end to the burgeoning Israel-Iran conflict. It remains unclear what prompted Trump’s call for the evacuation of a city of 10 million people, coming just hours after Israel issued its own evacuation order for citizens in northern Tehran due to its expanding campaign. Whether Trump possessed new intelligence regarding Israeli strikes or was merely attempting to coerce Tehran back into nuclear negotiations also remains unknown.
Officials at both the White House and the Pentagon quickly issued nearly identical statements on X, clarifying that U.S. forces in the region would maintain a “defensive” posture and would not join Israel’s offensive.
Before departing the G7 “family photo,” Trump informed reporters that events in the Middle East necessitated his early return. “I have to be back as soon as I can,” he stated, emphasizing that his departure was not related to any summit discussions. “I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand.”
Earlier remarks from Trump during the summit had been more direct regarding Iran. “Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk and they should talk immediately before it’s too late,” he asserted. Later, he expressed a more optimistic outlook: “I think Iran basically is at the negotiating table. They want to make a deal and as soon as I leave here we’re going to be doing something.”
This dramatic exit mirrored Trump’s departure from the 2018 G7 summit in Canada, where he refused to sign a joint communique. While his relationship with current Prime Minister Mark Carney has been far smoother than with his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, Trump’s tendency for summit-day drama persists.
After weeks of optimism regarding a potential nuclear deal with Iran, Trump reversed course last week following Israel’s initial assault that targeted several top Iranian military officials. He has since unequivocally supported Israel’s campaign, framing it as a consequence of Tehran’s reluctance on a potential deal.
The burgeoning conflict has exposed divisions within Trump’s political base, particularly between GOP hawks and military leaders advocating a tougher stance on Iran, and the “restrainer” wing, including figures like Steve Bannon, Ben Shapiro, and Tucker Carlson. When asked about Carlson’s criticisms of his support for Israel’s escalating campaign, Trump scoffed, suggesting Carlson “go get a television network and say it so people listen.” Thirty-three minutes after his dire Tehran warning, Trump posted again, still referencing Carlson: “Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that, ‘IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!’”
