As tensions between Israel and Iran continue for the 5th day, leaders from the world’s most powerful democracies have appealed for calm. In a joint statement, the G7 nations urged both countries to step back from further conflict. The statement also emphasized Israel’s right to protect itself and made it clear that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

The G7 includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, along with the European Union. These leaders are meeting on Tuesday at a summit in Kananaskis, a resort town in Canada. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived from Cyprus, will also attend. Global conflicts, including the Israel-Iran standoff, the Israel-Hamas war, and the ongoing Ukraine war, are expected to dominate discussions.

"We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians. Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza. We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability." 
- Joint statement by Leaders of the Group of Seven

The situation between Israel and Iran worsened on Monday. Iranian missiles hit several major Israeli cities, marking the fourth straight day of fighting. Civilian deaths are increasing on both sides.

In response, Israel launched a strike on a military base in western Tehran. Iran’s Fars news agency reported that this attack triggered Iran’s air defence systems.

Israeli fighter jets also bombed the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the country’s state-run media.

Before this strike, an Israeli military spokesperson posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter), asking people in a certain area of Tehran to evacuate.

Israel’s operation ‘Rising Lion’ targets Iran’s nuclear plans

The Israeli airstrikes are part of what it calls "Operation Rising Lion," launched on June 13. Israel says it believes Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon and that it is targeting key nuclear and missile facilities to prevent that.

Iran signals it may exit nuclear treaty

As the conflict continues, Iran’s Parliament is working on a bill that could lead the country to quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, Iranian officials insist they are not trying to build nuclear weapons and are against weapons of mass destruction.

Despite these claims, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a United Nations body, said last week that Iran is not meeting its obligations under the NPT.

Israel, on the other hand, is widely believed to have nuclear weapons, but it has never officially confirmed or denied this. It is also the only country in the Middle East that has not signed the NPT.

While the violence continues, there may still be hope for diplomacy. According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran has sent messages to both Israel and the US through Arab countries, suggesting it is interested in ending the conflict and resuming talks about its nuclear programme.

With oil prices climbing due to the ongoing crisis, the G7 leaders said they are also working to protect global markets, especially energy supplies. The summit is seen as an important moment for the world’s top democracies to show unity and push for peace in a time of growing global instability.

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