European leaders arriving at the G7 summit are making it their priority to press the US President for a clear and actionable strategy to de-escalate the burgeoning conflict between Israel and Iran. The mounting death toll and worsening military exchanges cast doubt on the President’s public pronouncements of “peace soon,” leading to demands for greater transparency and commitment to a ceasefire.
The unexpected dominance of the Israel-Iran hostilities on the G7 agenda reflects the significant global concern over their potential economic repercussions. While a joint call for de-escalation is a possibility, differing levels of support for Israel’s military actions among G7 members could complicate the formation of a truly cohesive statement.
The cancellation of crucial US-Iran nuclear talks highlights the immediate diplomatic fallout of the renewed violence. The long-standing sticking point of Iran’s right to enrich uranium domestically remains a significant barrier to any future diplomatic progress and a return to negotiations.
Despite the host nation’s attempts to shift focus to other global issues, European leaders are unwavering in their pursuit of a common line on Iran. They are looking beyond general calls for restraint and are actively seeking a detailed de-escalation plan from the US, given the perceived contradictions in Washington’s current messaging.