17-06-2025

G7 tensions as Israel-Iran war escalates

Date: 17-06-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 4 | cnbc.com: 4 | edition.cnn.com: 2 | foxnews.com: 2 | france24.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | npr.org: 1 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 5 | theguardian.com: 1 | washingtonpost.com: 1
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Source: foxnews.com

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Summary

A rapidly intensifying Israel-Iran confrontation dominated the G7 summit, where leaders urged de-escalation, backed Israel’s right to self-defense, and insisted Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Israel conducted repeated strikes on Iranian military, media, and nuclear-linked sites while Iran launched large missile barrages at Israeli cities, causing mounting civilian casualties and panic-driven evacuations in Tehran. Former President Donald Trump left the G7 early to manage the crisis, oscillating between calls for negotiations and hardline threats, including demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while reportedly opposing an Israeli plan to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei. Markets wobbled on heightened geopolitical risk, with oil rising and equities in Asia and Europe softening. Allies debated endgames—from diplomacy to potential U.S. strikes on deeply buried Iranian facilities—amid warnings that regime change could spark chaos and that only U.S. capabilities could decisively hit Fordow, raising fears of broader regional escalation.

Key Points

  • G7 leaders call for Middle East de-escalation, affirm Israel’s self-defense, and stress preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon.
  • Israel strikes Iranian military, media, and nuclear-linked targets; Iran fires large missile salvos at Israel, with rising civilian casualties and evacuations in Tehran.
  • Trump departs G7 early, demands Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” weighs U.S. involvement, but reportedly opposes killing Khamenei.
  • Markets react to conflict risk: oil climbs, Asian and European equities dip; safe-haven demand rises.
  • Debate intensifies over potential U.S. strikes on Fordow, feasibility of regime change, and prospects for renewed nuclear talks.

Articles in this Cluster

G7 leaders call for 'de-escalation' in the Middle EastBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

G7 leaders issued a joint call for de-escalation in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza, while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense and insisting Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Amid escalating Israel-Iran strikes, US President Donald Trump left the Canada-hosted summit early to return to Washington, with the Pentagon boosting defensive deployments but denying plans to join Israeli offensives. Trump urged Tehran’s evacuation on social media and emphasized blocking Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite earlier divisions, G7 leaders agreed on the statement; Trump also backed a UK-US trade deal and hinted at rapid progress with Canada. The conflict has left at least 224 dead in Iran and 24 in Israel, with analysts noting only the US has the capability to destroy Iran’s deepest nuclear sites.
Entities: G7, Middle East, Gaza ceasefire, Israel, IranTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Israel strikes Iranian state TV, warns people to evacuate Tehran after accusing Iran of targeting civilians - CBS News

Israel intensified its conflict with Iran by striking Iranian state TV facilities in Tehran and warning up to 330,000 residents in central Tehran to evacuate, following a new wave of Iranian missile attacks that Israel says killed at least eight civilians (24 total over multiple strikes) and injured hundreds. Iran claimed to have launched around 100 missiles and vowed further retaliation amid Israel’s broader strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, which Tehran says have killed at least 224 since Friday. Israel said it destroyed over 120 missile launchers, targeted the IRGC Quds Force, and asserted aerial superiority over Tehran. The U.S. raised its Israel travel advisory to “do not travel,” deployed additional military assets to the region, and moved a second carrier strike group toward the Middle East. G7 leaders affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, stressed civilian protection, and reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. Evacuations, flight from Tehran, and widespread business closures were reported, while planned U.S.-Iran nuclear talks were canceled.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Tehran, Iranian state TV, IRGC Quds ForceTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump attends G7 in Canada amid trade tensions, weighs in on Israel-Iran conflict - CBS News

At the G7 summit in Canada, President Trump said Iran has signaled through intermediaries it wants to de-escalate with Israel but insisted Tehran “has to make a deal” and should talk “immediately.” He declined to discuss potential U.S. military involvement and does not plan to sign a draft G7 statement on Iran, though officials said he remains focused on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon. Amid ongoing trade tensions, Trump touted tariffs, announced a deal with the UK on car and aerospace tariffs, and met privately with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He suggested openness to China joining the group and revisited Russia’s 2014 ouster, saying Putin felt insulted. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized cooperation while dismissing Trump’s past musings about acquiring Canada. The summit continues into Tuesday.
Entities: Donald Trump, G7 summit, Canada, Iran, IsraelTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Trump cuts G7 trip short due to "what's going on in the Middle East" - CBS News

President Trump cut short his G7 trip in Canada to return to Washington due to escalating Israel-Iran tensions. The White House said he will attend to urgent matters, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also returning. U.S. officials emphasized the U.S. is not participating in Israel’s strikes on Iran, though it provided missile defense support and was briefed in advance. At the summit, Trump said he believes a deal with Iran is possible and urged Tehran to negotiate, while Israel continues strikes on Iranian targets and Iran retaliates. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed concerns that targeting Iran’s leadership would escalate the conflict, claiming it would end it.
Entities: Donald Trump, G7 Summit, United States, Israel, IranTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump opposed Israeli plan to kill Iran's supreme leader, CBS News sources say - CBS News

CBS News reports, citing three U.S. officials, that former President Donald Trump opposed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following Israel’s recent attack on Iran. Trump conveyed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it was not a good idea. Netanyahu declined to confirm or deny the report, and a spokesperson later called it false. An Israeli official said Israel generally targets nuclear and military figures rather than political leaders, though noted Khamenei drives key decisions. Trump warned Iran against retaliating against U.S. targets, claimed the U.S. was not involved in Israel’s strikes, and suggested Iran and Israel could reach a deal. He also spoke with Russia’s Vladimir Putin about the crisis ahead of the G7 summit.
Entities: Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, IranTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Asia stock markets today: live updates for June 17 2025

Asia-Pacific stocks mostly fell in choppy trade as investors weighed Israel-Iran tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump urged evacuations from Tehran and left the G7 early. Fitch expects the conflict to stay contained and short, though uncertainty and higher energy costs could pressure growth and inflation. Japan outperformed: Nikkei +0.59%, Topix +0.34%, after the BoJ held rates at 0.5% and said it will slow government bond purchases from April next year; JGB yields rose and the yen firmed. Elsewhere: Kospi flat, Kosdaq -0.53%, CSI 300 -0.15%, Hang Seng -0.13%, Australia’s ASX 200 -0.14%, India’s Nifty 50 -0.27% and Sensex -0.37%. U.S. futures slipped in Asian hours after Wall Street gains (Dow +0.75%, S&P 500 +0.94%, Nasdaq +1.52%). Oil extended gains on geopolitical risk (Brent ~$74.4, WTI ~$73.1), with Fitch seeing a $5–$10 risk premium unless Iranian exports are materially disrupted. Additional highlights: Japan-U.S. G7 talks yielded no trade breakthrough; Samsung shares jumped over 4% on plans for a doctor-linked health data hub; Singapore’s May non-oil domestic exports unexpectedly fell 3.5% y/y (7-month low); KKR agreed to buy Australian power producer Zenith Energy (terms undisclosed).
Entities: Bank of Japan, Nikkei 225, Fitch Ratings, Israel–Iran tensions, Brent crudeTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

European markets on Tues June 17: Stoxx 600, FTSE, DAX, CAC 40

European stocks were set for a sharp drop at Tuesday’s open, with futures pointing lower for the FTSE, DAX, CAC 40 and FTSE MIB as investors reacted to escalating Israel-Iran conflict risks. Oil and gold prices climbed on supply concerns and safe-haven demand, while U.S. futures weakened after President Trump signaled possible further strikes and urged evacuations in Tehran. The G7 summit in Canada concluded without a joint communique, issuing a statement backing Israel and labeling Iran a key source of regional instability; Trump departed early due to the Middle East crisis. Focus in Europe also includes the Paris Air Show and ZEW economic sentiment data, with no major earnings slated.
Entities: Stoxx 600, FTSE, DAX, CAC 40, Israel-Iran conflictTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

G7 leaders urge de-escalation in Middle East, blame Iran for 'instability and terror'

G7 leaders issued a joint statement backing Israel’s right to self-defense amid escalating Israel-Iran strikes, labeling Iran the principal source of regional instability and terror and insisting it must never obtain a nuclear weapon. They called for de-escalation across the Middle East, including a Gaza cease-fire, and sought resolution of the “Iranian crisis.” U.S. President Donald Trump skipped day two of the summit due to the crisis, while his tariff agenda and a divided approach to Russia and Ukraine also featured prominently. The G7 stance contrasted with China’s condemnation of Israel’s strike on Iran and its bid to mediate.
Entities: G7, Iran, Israel, Middle East, Gaza cease-fireTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Stock market today: Live updates

U.S. stock futures slipped early Tuesday as investors watched escalating Israel-Iran tensions and reacted to a Trump post urging evacuation of Tehran, which also lifted WTI crude about 2% overnight. This followed a strong Monday session where the Dow rose 300+ points, the S&P 500 gained ~0.9%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.5% amid easing oil prices after a Friday spike tied to Israeli airstrikes. Reports suggest Iran is seeking a ceasefire via intermediaries in exchange for flexibility on nuclear talks. LPL Financial noted stocks historically show limited, short-lived drawdowns around geopolitical shocks. Markets await May retail sales Tuesday and the Fed’s Wednesday decision, with futures implying rates will hold at 4.25%-4.50%. Some strategists warn investors may be underestimating tariff risks to a late-cycle economy.
Entities: U.S. stock futures, Israel-Iran tensions, Donald Trump, WTI crude, Dow Jones Industrial AverageTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Taking on Israel’s greatest foe has banished Netanyahu’s political troubles in an instant | CNNClose icon

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has regained firm political control after launching “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran, which halted domestic protests, unified most of the Knesset behind him, and paused his corruption trial’s spotlight. Long focused on Iran, Netanyahu seized a moment when Israel had degraded threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, lowering the risk of wider retaliation. Allies say he’s aware of the political boost but focused on the campaign; critics note the surge may not guarantee lasting polling gains. The operation reflects a career-defining push against Israel’s chief adversary amid a rare wave of national unity, excluding most Arab parties, even as both countries absorb casualties and damage from exchanged strikes.
Entities: Benjamin Netanyahu, Operation Rising Lion, Iran, Israel, KnessetTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Trump is facing heat from all sides, but his fateful Iran decision is one only he can make | CNN PoliticsClose icon

Trump faces intense pressure over whether to launch a U.S. strike on Iran’s deeply buried Fordow nuclear site, a move Israel is openly urging and MAGA influencers fiercely oppose. Israel argues only the U.S. can decisively cripple Iran’s program, while Netanyahu dismisses diplomacy as a stalling tactic. Trump abruptly left the G7 amid escalating stakes, signaling urgency but avoiding commitment, even as he warned Iran on social media that it “cannot have a nuclear weapon.” The decision pits GOP hawks against populist non-interventionists, risks defining his presidency, and could reshape Middle East dynamics—with uncertain success and no easy off-ramp if the U.S. attacks.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Fordow nuclear site, Israel, Benjamin NetanyahuTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

G7 summit in Canada tackles trade, wars, aiming to avoid clash with Trump | Fox News

G7 leaders met in Canada focusing on de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict, supporting Ukraine, and addressing U.S. tariffs under President Trump. To avoid a repeat of 2018 tensions, Canada shifted from a joint communiqué to chair summaries. Priorities include peace and security, critical mineral supply chains, trade, AI, migration, and energy. Germany emphasized preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon and Israel’s right to self-defense. Trump signaled he may announce new trade deals and holds bilaterals with Canada’s PM, Mexico’s president, and Ukraine’s president.
Entities: G7, Canada, Donald Trump, Israel-Iran conflict, UkraineTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

'Weak' Iranian regime opens door for change garnering support from citizens | Fox News

Fox News reports growing calls among Iranian Americans, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, and Israeli officials for regime change in Iran amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They argue the regime is weakened by Israeli strikes on military leadership and nuclear infrastructure and say most Iranians desire freedom from decades of repression. Pahlavi and activist Dr. Sheila Nazarian contend the regime only responds to force, urging Iran’s military and regional allies to enable a coup. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicts a popular uprising is possible. Former U.S. Ambassador Sam Brownback calls for U.S. diplomatic, economic, and technological support for Iranian democrats. The article highlights skepticism toward negotiations with Tehran, noting Iran’s rejection of a ceasefire pending its response to Israeli actions.
Entities: Iranian regime, Reza Pahlavi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Sam Brownback, Sheila NazarianTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: persuade

Israel-Iran War Day 5: Regime change in Iran would spark 'chaos', Macron warns

On day five of escalating Israel-Iran strikes, French President Emmanuel Macron warned at the G7 summit that forcing regime change in Iran via military action would trigger chaos. As explosions and missile alerts were reported in Tehran, Karaj, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and northern Israel, Iran said it used hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles and hit strategic targets, while Israel targeted Iranian military sites and claimed the killing of a senior commander in Tehran. Former US President Donald Trump called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” met with his National Security Council, and said he seeks a “real end” to the conflict, not a ceasefire. The US Embassy in Jerusalem announced a temporary closure due to security concerns, and Iran urged citizens to delete WhatsApp, alleging data sharing with Israel—claims WhatsApp rejected. The IAEA reported Israeli strikes had direct impacts on Iran’s Natanz facility. Live updates ended as the conflict entered a sixth day with continued reciprocal attacks and evacuation warnings in Tehran.
Entities: Emmanuel Macron, Iran, Israel, G7 summit, TehranTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

G7 summit 'all about the Donald' as Canada tries to avoid friction in the Rockies | World News | Sky News

At the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, leaders face a tense agenda dominated by the Israel-Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine, but the event largely revolves around U.S. President Donald Trump. His divergent stances on trade, defense, and Middle East strategy complicate efforts to forge a unified approach, with invited guests Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa adding to the diplomatic friction. Anticipating discord, Canadian hosts may forgo the traditional joint communique, reflecting a broader global recalibration around Trump’s influence and unpredictability.
Entities: G7 summit, Kananaskis, Canada, Donald Trump, Israel-Iran conflict, war in UkraineTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

4 things to know about the Israel-Iran conflict : NPR

Israel and Iran are in a fifth day of escalating conflict marked by Israeli airstrikes deep inside Iran and Iranian missile and drone salvos at Israel, causing significant civilian casualties on both sides. Israel says it aims to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, claiming precision strikes on military and nuclear targets and key personnel; Iran denies seeking a bomb. Panic has gripped Tehran amid evacuation warnings and disrupted communications. Experts say Israel has likely severely damaged Iran’s Natanz facility but made little impact on the deeply buried Fordo site, which would require U.S.-level bunker-busting capability to destroy. Israel’s broader endgame is unclear: Prime Minister Netanyahu says the goal is to set back Iran’s nuclear program “a very long time,” while analysts doubt regime change is feasible or intended, expecting a continued “mowing the grass” approach. Political rhetoric has intensified, including threats from former President Trump, adding to regional and global tensions.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Natanz nuclear facility, Fordo site, Benjamin NetanyahuTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Flattery or Discipline? The Difficult Task of Managing Trump. - The New York Times

At the G7 summit in Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney balanced flattery and firm control to manage President Trump, cutting short a press session to keep the meeting on track amid tensions over U.S. tariffs and global crises. Carney sought progress on a new U.S.-Canada trade deal but secured no breakthrough, though the U.S. backed cooperation on AI and critical minerals. Trump distanced himself from a joint statement on de-escalation between Iran and Israel and abruptly left early to address Middle East developments. The summit avoided major public clashes, but uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and Trump’s tariffs cast a shadow, with leaders largely aiming to “just get through this.”
Entities: Mark Carney, Donald Trump, G7 summit, Canada, United StatesTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

China’s Xi calls on Israel, Iran to ‘de-escalate’, says Beijing ready to play peacemaker | South China Morning Post

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Israel and Iran to de-escalate their conflict and said China is ready to help mediate to restore Middle East stability, according to Xinhua. Speaking alongside Uzbekistan’s president at a summit in Astana, Xi condemned actions violating sovereignty and warned military conflict isn’t a solution. China has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran and Israel amid fears of broader regional escalation, the foreign ministry said.
Entities: Xi Jinping, Israel, Iran, China, XinhuaTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Hong Kong stocks retreat as Middle East tensions raise inflation risk | South China Morning Post

Hong Kong stocks dipped as escalating Middle East tensions raised fears of higher inflation via potential oil and LNG supply disruptions. The Hang Seng Index and Hang Seng Tech Index each fell 0.1%, while mainland benchmarks slipped 0.2%. Chow Tai Fook plunged 7.1% on a HK$7.85 billion convertible bond plan; PetroChina dropped 4.9% ex-dividend; BYD and Li Auto also declined. Market anxiety intensified after US President Donald Trump urged evacuation of Tehran and left the G7 early, stoking concerns of Israeli strikes on Iran. Investors are also awaiting policy signals from Beijing following mixed May data and a sharper property downturn, with the Lujiazui forum expected to unveil growth and financial reform measures.
Entities: Hong Kong, Hang Seng Index, Middle East tensions, oil and LNG supply, Chow Tai FookTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Israel hits Tehran for sixth day; Iran warns of ‘all-out war’ if US intervenes | South China Morning Post

Israel and Iran’s direct conflict has entered a sixth day, with Israel striking Iranian nuclear and military sites while Iran launches missiles at Israeli cities, causing rising civilian casualties. The crisis escalated as US President Donald Trump demanded Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s “unconditional surrender” and warned he knows Khamenei’s location, signaling possible deeper US involvement. Iran cautioned that any US intervention could trigger an all-out war. Global concern is mounting over the unprecedented direct confrontation and the risk of regional escalation.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, United StatesTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Israel-Iran conflict in sixth day after Trump demands Tehran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ | South China Morning Post

The Israel-Iran conflict has entered its sixth day with intensifying strikes on both sides: Israel is targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, while Iran is launching missiles at Israeli cities. Civilian casualties are mounting amid escalating hostilities. U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and hinted at possible deeper U.S. involvement, also issuing a threat to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on social media. Global concerns are rising over the risk of a wider regional war.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, U.S.Tone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Israel strikes Tehran for sixth day after Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ | South China Morning Post

Israel and Iran’s direct conflict has entered a sixth day, with Israel striking targets in Tehran, including nuclear-related sites, while Iran continues missile attacks on Israeli cities. The civilian toll is rising as tensions escalate. U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warned Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a social media post, saying the U.S. knows his location but will not kill him “for now.” Trump is weighing deeper U.S. involvement, intensifying fears of a broader regional war.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Tehran, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali KhameneiTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump to leave G7 summit early and return to Washington – as it happened | Donald Trump | The Guardian

Donald Trump will leave the G7 summit early to return to Washington amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions, after urging Tehran residents to evacuate following Israeli warnings of strikes. He directed national security staff to convene in the Situation Room. At the summit, European leaders pushed to bring Iran back to talks; Iran sought a joint ceasefire with Israel, which Benjamin Netanyahu resisted, while Trump praised Israel’s campaign. The US and UK are set to finalize their trade deal “very soon,” per UK PM Keir Starmer. Trump met Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba over US auto tariffs. Domestically, Senate Republicans unveiled changes to Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” including Medicaid reforms and a new federal SALT deduction. The Justice Department moved to dismiss a lawsuit over Naval Academy admissions after the academy ended race-conscious policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson postponed a planned Israel trip. The American Bar Association sued the administration over alleged intimidation of law firms. Additional notes included security developments in Minnesota and other ongoing legal and political cases.
Entities: Donald Trump, G7 summit, Israel-Iran tensions, Benjamin Netanyahu, Keir StarmerTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as strikes continue - The Washington Post

Amid escalating Israel-Iran strikes, President Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and said the U.S. knows the Iranian leader’s location but won’t target him “for now.” The Pentagon expanded its Middle East posture as Trump weighed joining Israeli efforts to destroy Iran’s underground nuclear facilities versus pursuing last-minute diplomacy. Iran launched waves of missiles and drones at Israel, causing limited damage according to the IDF, while Israel struck Iranian centrifuge and missile-production sites, targeting Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem remained closed, and Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as Washington considered potential use of bunker-busting munitions if it intervenes. China’s Xi expressed concern and opposed violations of sovereignty as regional tensions rose.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. PentagonTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform