US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his visit to the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada, to return to Washington, DC, amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
According to Fox News, Trump requested the National Security Council (NSC) to convene in the White House Situation Room ahead of his arrival.
On X (formerly Twitter), Fox News correspondent Lawrence Jones III confirmed that the President had instructed his national security team to prepare for immediate discussions upon his return.
Taking to X, Jones posted, “I’ve been informed that the President @POTUS will have dinner with the heads of state of the G7 nations and then immediately depart for Washington. He has requested that the National Security Council be prepared in the situation room.”
I’ve been informed that the President @POTUS will have dinner with the heads of state of the G7 nations and then immediately depart for Washington. He has requested that the National Security Council be prepared in the situation room.
— Lawrence Jones III (@LawrenceBJones3) June 16, 2025
President Trump denies Macron’s ceasefire remarks
Responding to speculation about his early departure, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to refute French President Emmanuel Macron’s claim that he was returning to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
President Trump posted, “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. Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!”
Secretary of State Rubio also leaves early
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was also in Alberta for the G7 summit, announced he would be returning to Washington as well.
Fox News reported that both US President Trump and Rubio cited urgent matters requiring their immediate presence in the capital.
During a group photo session with fellow world leaders, the US President hinted at his urgency to return. “You probably see what I see. And I have to be back as soon as I can,” he remarked.
White House cites Middle East crisis for return
The White House issued an official statement confirming President Trump’s early departure, attributing it to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He accomplished much, but due to the situation in the Middle East, he will leave tonight after having dinner with the Heads of State.”
Defence Secretary: US ‘Postured Defensively’
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth addressed the media before heading to the situation room Monday night.
Speaking to Fox News’ Jesse Watters, Hegseth emphasised the administration’s strategy.
“What you’re watching in real time is peace through strength and America First. Our job is to stay strong,” said Hegseth. “We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal.”
He added that US President Trump made it clear a deal is possible, but warned that the onus is on Iran to respond appropriately.
“My job as the Secretary of Defence is to ensure that our people are safe and that we’re strong so that we can set the conditions for a deal.”
Israel targets Iranian media facilities
Earlier on Monday, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Iranian state media buildings in Tehran.
Live television cameras captured the attack, intensifying the already volatile situation.
Despite President Trump’s early exit, the US President signed a joint G7 statement calling for a ‘de-escalation of hostilities’ in the Middle East.
The statement strongly condemned Iran, labelling it the “principal source of regional instability and terror.”
Also Read: ‘Mass Murderer, Shame On You’: Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Booed In US
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