‘Much bigger than ceasefire’: What prompted Trump to leave G7 talks midway amid mounting Iran-Israel tensions?

US President Donald Trump’s early exit from the G7 summit in Canada on Monday triggered a diplomatic stir after French President Emmanuel Macron claimed the American leader left to work on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. 

Trump quickly rejected the suggestion, calling Macron “publicity seeking” and insisting there was a “much bigger” reason for his return to Washington. As speculation mounts, here are five key developments from the summit and their possible geopolitical consequences:

In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed Macron’s assertion, writing, “Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to DC to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran. Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire.”

Trump further added, “Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay tuned!”

Tensions soar over Israel-Iran conflict

Trump’s exit came hours after he posted a dramatic call to “immediately evacuate Tehran” amid the ongoing military escalation. Israel has launched air strikes on Iran, which retaliated with missile and drone attacks. The US president reiterated that Iran “must never have a nuclear weapon” and warned it to halt its nuclear ambitions “before it’s too late.” Macron stood by his remarks, stating that Trump had made a ceasefire offer involving Israel and Iran, AP reported. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions,” Macron said at a G7 press briefing after Trump’s departure.

G7 struggles for unity post-Trump exit

With Trump gone, the remaining G7 leaders — from the U.K., Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada — convened alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte. The summit aimed to address global instability, particularly Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Middle East crisis, but Trump’s abrupt departure overshadowed final-day efforts.

Despite this, a joint statement was issued condemning Iran’s nuclear ambitions and calling for de-escalation, particularly in Gaza — a modest diplomatic win under the circumstances.

US-UK trade deal signed, but questions remain

In a brief bright spot, Trump and British PM Keir Starmer announced the signing of a new trade deal on the sidelines of the summit. The pact will slash tariffs on British automobile and aerospace exports to the US, though negotiations on steel and other sectors are ongoing. Trump confused reporters initially by referring to the EU instead of the U.K., but insisted the deal was “done” and “a very good day for both countries.”

Starmer called the agreement “a real sign of strength,” even as observers noted that a full-fledged trade pact is still in development.

What’s next?

While Trump hinted at a major, undisclosed reason behind his sudden departure, the move has rattled the carefully choreographed summit proceedings. His comments about Tehran and the growing speculation of US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict raise questions about the path ahead for diplomacy — and whether quiet backchannel talks are underway despite his public denials.

(With inputs from AP)