‘Iran can never have a nuclear weapon’: G7 countries issue joint statement amid rising tensions

The all-powerful Global 7, or G7, countries have issued a joint statement against Iran. The group of the most powerful economies has said that the Islamic Republic of Iran can ‘never’ have a nuclear weapon.This joint statement was issued by the group in Kananaskis, Canada, where the nations are holding their summit.
This statement comes amid rising tensions in the turbulent Middle East. Israel and Iran have been locked in an unchecked exchange of attacks against each other for the past few days, after Israel reportedly targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 12.
The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel’s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

“Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement added and said the G7 was “clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”, reported Reuters

According to the Reuters report, since the beginning of the hostilities, the two Middle Eastern nations have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

It is to be noted that Israel itself is reported to be armed with a nuclear arsenal. The Jewish state, which is not a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

The United States has so far maintained that it is not involved in the Israeli attacks on Iran, although Trump said on Friday the U.S. was aware of Israel’s strikes in advance and called them “excellent.” Washington has warned Tehran not to attack U.S. interests or personnel in the region.

An Israeli strike hit Iran’s state broadcaster on Monday while Trump said in a social media post that “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.” Meanwhile, as a result of these developments, crude oil prices have continued to soar with some volatility.

(With Inputs From Reuters)