“On the Middle East current situation, The G7 leaders, led by U.S. President Joe Biden, condemned Iran’s unprecedented missile assault on Israel and announced new sanctions. While urging a diplomatic resolution to the escalating Middle East crisis, the G7 stressed that a region-wide conflict is not in anyone’s interest. Read more on the latest developments.”
G7 leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have condemned Iran’s latest missile strike on Israel, emphasizing their shared opposition to the aggressive move while emphasising the necessity of a diplomatic solution to the rising Middle East crisis. The urgent conversation, held by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, came amid concerns that the continued skirmishes will escalate into a larger regional war.
During the discussion, the G7 — which includes the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom — voiced “strong concern” about the escalating issue and reaffirmed their opinion that a diplomatic solution is still the best way ahead. In a statement published by the Italian government, the leaders highlighted that a regional confrontation would be detrimental to all parties involved and committed to collaborate to de-escalate tensions and promote regional stability.
The Italian Prime Minister requested the United Nations Security Council to consider expanding the mission of its UNIFIL peacekeeping force in Lebanon to ensure security along the sensitive Israel-Lebanon border. Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani denied local media claims that Italy was contemplating withdrawing its soldiers from Lebanon owing to increased security concerns, reaffirming Italy’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
In a White House statement, President Biden reiterated the United States’ support for Israel, calling Iran’s missile attack “unacceptable.” He stated that the United States and its G7 allies are exploring new penalties against Iran in response to its hostile actions. “Iran’s attack against Israel was deeply irresponsible,” Biden said, underlining that the G7 would take synchronized action to hold Iran accountable.
Despite the gravity of the missile assault, Biden made it plain that he opposes a retaliation strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. “The answer is no,” he said when asked whether he supported such a move, showing a preference for diplomatic and economic means over military escalation.
The issue has resulted in increasing rhetoric and threats between Israel and Iran. Israeli military leader Herzi Halevi said that Israel will reply, claiming that his troops could attack targets anywhere in the Middle East. In response, Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir Saied Iravani, defended the missile attack as a “restore balance and deterrence” step against Israel’s military activities in Gaza and Lebanon. Iravani cautioned that Iran is prepared to take more defensive measures if required.
As the situation continues to be dangerous, G7 leaders are calling for de-escalation and a peaceful conclusion, highlighting the critical need to avoid a larger confrontation with far-reaching ramifications for the area and beyond.
