The Group of Seven (G7) nations has thrown its full support behind Israel while issuing a firm warning to Iran, stating that the Islamic Republic “can never be allowed to develop or possess nuclear weapons.”
This declaration was made in a joint communiqué issued at the end of the G7 summit held in Apulia, southern Italy, where leaders of the world’s most advanced economies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—reaffirmed their commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
“We are united in our determination that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon,” the statement read. “We call on Iran to cease its escalatory nuclear steps and to return to full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
The G7 leaders also reiterated their backing for Israel’s right to defend itself amid heightened regional tensions, though they called for restraint and the protection of civilian lives in ongoing conflicts.
The group further criticized Iran’s support for armed proxy groups across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, accusing Tehran of fueling instability and undermining peace efforts.
This latest stance by the G7 signals growing international pressure on Iran amid concerns over its uranium enrichment activities and reduced compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran has yet to respond officially to the G7 declaration, though its officials have repeatedly insisted that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.
The G7 summit closed with leaders pledging continued diplomatic efforts, while leaving the door open for stronger sanctions should Iran escalate its nuclear ambitions further.
