Credited from: LEMONDE
U.S. President Donald Trump vehemently rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's assertion that he had left the G7 summit to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Trump used his Truth Social platform to label Macron as a "publicity seeking" leader who "always gets it wrong," arguing that his departure was motivated by "much bigger" matters, distinct from ceasefire discussions. Macron had stated that there were offers on the table to initiate talks for a ceasefire, which Trump contested, claiming that the situation was not under consideration at the summit, according to Reuters and The Hill.
As the conflict escalated, Trump expressed a desire for a "real end" to Iran's military aggression towards Israel, dismissing the need for a ceasefire. He claimed he was seeking a "complete give-up" by Iran and that U.S. patience was running thin. During his remarks, he indicated that Israeli strikes on Iranian targets were acceptable and necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, highlighting the tensions as military engagements surged with Iran launching missile retaliations against Israel, according to CBS News and Al Jazeera.
Macron voiced his concerns about potential military actions that could lead to regime change in Iran, stressing the risks of chaos in the region. He criticized Trump's escalating threats, advocating instead for a diplomatic resolution focused on preventing a nuclear-armed Iran without resorting to violence. Macron reiterated that while he seeks to deescalate tensions, the approach should not involve direct military action, countering Trump's more aggressive stance towards Iran, as reported by Reuters and India Times.
Ultimately, the exchanges between Trump and Macron at the G7 summit revealed significant divisions among Western allies regarding their approach to the Israel-Iran conflict. While Trump appeared to endorse a more militaristic strategy, Macron cautioned against the risks associated with such actions, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and differing priorities within Western foreign policy frameworks, as emphasized by Le Monde and The Hill.