The G7 nations, led by Italy, convened an emergency meeting to address Iran’s recent attack on Israel, expressing unified condemnation and a commitment to preventing further escalation in the volatile Middle East.
The meeting was prompted by US President Joe Biden‘s promise of a coordinated diplomatic response following Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile strike.
Italy, holding the G7 presidency, issued a statement emphasizing Iran’s actions as a step towards regional destabilization, urging restraint to avoid uncontrollable escalation.
The leaders, gathering via video conference for nearly an hour, called for an immediate cessation of attacks by Iran and its proxies while also signaling readiness to take additional measures to counter further destabilizing actions.
President Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would refrain from participating in any Israeli retaliatory actions against Iran.
The attack was purportedly in response to a suspected Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria, resulting in the deaths of senior Revolutionary Guards commanders.
The conflict escalation followed months of tensions between Israel and Iran’s allies, stemming from conflicts in Gaza.
Furthermore, the G7 statement vowed to pursue efforts toward achieving an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, where ongoing fighting has persisted for over six months.
The G7 comprises the United States, Canada, Italy, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, along with the European Union. Foreign ministers are scheduled to convene on the Italian island of Capri from April 17-19 to discuss further actions.
