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G7 Backs Israel, Labels Iran a Threat as Middle East Conflict Escalates

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KANANASKIS, Canada — As airstrikes between Israel and Iran threaten to plunge the Middle East into deeper chaos, leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations issued a forceful joint statement late Monday expressing unequivocal support for Israel and branding Iran as the “principal source of regional instability and terror.”

The statement, which came amid high-level talks in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, reflects the G7’s growing alarm over the spiraling violence that began Friday when Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iranian military sites, saying the move was necessary to thwart Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

“We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” the G7 leaders said, while also warning, “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

The conflict marks a dangerous escalation in a region already convulsed by nearly nine months of war in Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign has killed tens of thousands and displaced many more. Iran, which denies any nuclear weapons ambitions and claims its atomic program is for peaceful purposes, has vowed retaliation while accusing Israel of war crimes.

According to Iranian officials, more than 220 people—mostly civilians—have been killed in the strikes so far. Israel, meanwhile, reported 24 civilian deaths following Iranian missile retaliation.

As tensions soared, President Donald Trump announced he would leave the G7 summit early to return to Washington and monitor developments more closely. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump would depart after a working dinner with fellow leaders.

The White House has denied direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s strikes but acknowledged that Washington had prior knowledge of the operation. Trump praised the strikes as “excellent” and urged Tehran to avoid targeting American personnel or facilities in the region.

In a dramatic post on social media, Trump issued an ominous warning: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.” Meanwhile, a new Israeli airstrike on Monday hit Iran’s state broadcaster, prompting further concerns about escalation and the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

Despite the strong support for Israel, the G7 statement also emphasized the need for restraint and broader diplomatic efforts, saying:
“We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”

G7 leaders—representing the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, along with the European Union—said they were prepared to coordinate efforts to stabilize global energy markets, which have already shown signs of volatility in response to the Israel-Iran crisis.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held a series of urgent phone calls with counterparts in the UK, France, and the EU, discussing the potential for coordinated diplomacy and sanctions in response to Iran’s actions. Despite the hostile rhetoric, Washington reiterated that a nuclear deal with Iran remains a long-term goal.

Iran, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), maintains it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful energy purposes. Israel, which has never signed the treaty and is widely believed to possess a nuclear arsenal, neither confirms nor denies its nuclear capabilities.

The deep mistrust between the two regional powers has stymied diplomatic solutions, and the latest round of violence threatens to undo years of nuclear diplomacy. The G7’s declaration that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons underscores the bloc’s long-standing strategic alignment with Israel on the issue.

As the world watches the Middle East teeter on the edge of full-scale war, the G7’s unified stance signals that Western powers remain firmly behind Israel, while intensifying pressure on Iran—a dynamic that may shape not just the outcome of the current crisis, but the broader security landscape for years to come.

Works Begin in Ireland to Exhume Remains of Hundreds of Babies Found at Unwed Mothers’ Home

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Officials in Ireland commenced excavation work Monday at the site of a former Catholic-run institution for unmarried women and their children, beginning a complex forensic operation to identify the remains of approximately 800 infants and young children who died at the facility over four decades.

The long-awaited excavation at the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway in western Ireland, represents a significant step in the country’s ongoing reckoning with historical abuses within church-operated institutions. The work marks a crucial moment for survivors and families seeking answers about loved ones who died at the facility.

The home, operated by an order of Catholic nuns until its closure in 1961, was among numerous institutions that housed tens of thousands of orphans and unmarried pregnant women throughout much of the 20th century. These facilities were part of a system that forced women to surrender their children in what was then an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic society with strict moral codes regarding pregnancy outside marriage.

The investigation into the Tuam facility began in 2014 when historian Catherine Corless conducted research that revealed a disturbing discrepancy in record-keeping. Corless tracked down death certificates for nearly 800 children who died at the home between the 1920s and 1961, but could locate burial records for only one child, raising immediate questions about the fate of the remaining deceased infants.

Subsequent investigations uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of babies and young children within an underground sewage structure on the grounds of the former home. DNA analysis of the discovered remains revealed that the ages of the deceased ranged from 35 weeks gestation to 3 years old, indicating that both premature infants and toddlers were among those buried at the site.

A comprehensive government inquiry into Ireland’s mother-and-baby homes system revealed the scope of child mortality within these institutions. The investigation found that approximately 9,000 children died across 18 different mother-and-baby homes, with respiratory infections and gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, among the major causes of death.

The mortality rates reflected the poor living conditions and inadequate medical care that characterized many of these institutions, where vulnerable women and children were housed in circumstances that often prioritized moral judgment over basic welfare and healthcare needs.

The religious order that operated the Tuam facility has acknowledged the failures of the institution. The sisters who ran the home offered a “profound apology” and admitted they had failed to “protect the inherent dignity” of the women and children housed there, representing a rare acknowledgment of institutional responsibility for the documented abuses.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin addressed the gravity of the situation on Monday, describing the historical circumstances surrounding the home. “It’s a very, very difficult, harrowing story and situation. We have to wait to see what unfolds now as a result of the excavation,” Martin stated, reflecting the national significance of the forensic work beginning at the site.

Daniel MacSweeney, who leads the exhumation project, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the forensic operation. “This is a unique and incredibly complex excavation,” he said in a statement, noting that the memorial garden at the site would be placed under forensic control and closed to public access beginning Monday.

MacSweeney confirmed that survivors and family members would have opportunities to observe the excavation work in coming weeks, recognizing the personal stakes involved for those seeking closure regarding relatives who died at the institution.

The forensic process will involve meticulous analysis and preservation of remains recovered from the site. Officials have established protocols to ensure that any identified remains will be returned to family members according to their wishes, while unidentified remains will receive dignified burial with appropriate respect for the deceased.

The excavation represents a two-year commitment to uncovering the full extent of what occurred at the Tuam site. The extended timeline reflects both the complexity of the forensic work required and the determination to conduct thorough investigations that can provide definitive answers to families and the broader Irish public.

The Tuam excavation occurs within the broader context of Ireland’s confrontation with its institutional past. The country has undergone significant social transformation in recent decades, moving away from the strict religious conservatism that enabled the mother-and-baby home system to operate with minimal oversight or accountability.

The work at Tuam follows years of advocacy by survivors, historians, and human rights activists who demanded official recognition of the abuses that occurred within Ireland’s network of religious institutions. The excavation represents validation of their efforts to ensure that the experiences of vulnerable women and children are not forgotten or minimized.

The forensic investigation will employ advanced scientific techniques to identify remains and potentially reunite families with deceased relatives after decades of uncertainty. The process acknowledges the fundamental human dignity that was denied to these children in life and seeks to provide appropriate recognition in death.

The Tuam excavation also serves as a form of historical accountability, documenting the systematic failures that led to high child mortality rates within institutional care. The findings may contribute to broader understanding of how social stigma, religious doctrine, and inadequate oversight combined to create conditions that proved fatal for hundreds of vulnerable children.

The project represents Ireland’s commitment to confronting difficult aspects of its past while honoring the memory of those who suffered within institutional systems. The excavation work at Tuam stands as both a memorial to the deceased children and a testament to the country’s determination to acknowledge historical injustices and provide dignity to those who were denied it in life.

Israel Warns 300,000 People in Tehran to Evacuate as Trump Issues Ominous Message

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Israel issued evacuation warnings to hundreds of thousands of Tehran residents on Monday as its air campaign against Iran’s capital appeared to expand on the fourth day of an intensifying conflict that has drawn urgent warnings from President Donald Trump about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The Israeli military directed 330,000 people to evacuate from central Tehran, targeting an area that houses Iran’s state television headquarters, police facilities, and three major hospitals, including one operated by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. The evacuation zone encompasses a significant portion of the capital, which is home to approximately 9.5 million residents.

Trump issued an ominous warning on his social media platform Monday evening, declaring that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON” and urging immediate evacuation of Tehran. “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” the president wrote, underscoring the gravity of the escalating situation.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on social media that Trump was returning from the G7 summit in Canada a day early due to the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighting the administration’s concern about the rapidly deteriorating situation.

An Iranian television anchor was forced to flee her studio during a live broadcast as explosions struck the headquarters of the country’s state-run television station. The dramatic footage showed the reporter hurrying off camera as dust filled the studio following what she described as “the sound of aggression against the homeland.”

The state television network reported that its building was hit by four bombs, causing the live broadcast to abruptly switch to prerecorded programming. An anchor later assured viewers that while a few colleagues had been injured, their families should not worry. The network relocated its live programming to an alternative studio to continue operations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israeli strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back “a very, very long time” and confirmed he maintains daily contact with Trump. “The regime is very weak,” Netanyahu added, suggesting that Israel’s campaign has significantly degraded Iranian capabilities.

Israel justifies its sweeping assault on Iran’s top military leadership, uranium enrichment facilities, and nuclear scientists as necessary to prevent Tehran from advancing toward nuclear weapons capability. The strikes have killed at least 224 people since operations began Friday, according to Iranian authorities.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, while U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Tehran has not pursued an organized nuclear weapons program since 2003. However, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly warned that Iran possesses sufficient enriched uranium to produce several nuclear weapons if it chooses to do so.

Iran has retaliated by launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israeli targets. The Iranian counterattacks have resulted in 24 deaths in Israel and more than 500 injuries, demonstrating the conflict’s escalating human cost on both sides.

Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin announced Monday that Israeli forces had “achieved full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies,” indicating complete control of Iranian airspace. The military reported destroying more than 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers in central Iran, representing approximately one-third of Iran’s total missile capability.

Israeli forces also eliminated two F-14 fighter aircraft that Iran had deployed against Israeli aircraft and neutralized multiple missile launchers moments before they could fire ballistic missiles toward Israel. The strikes targeted 10 command centers in Tehran belonging to Iran’s Quds Force, an elite Revolutionary Guard unit responsible for external military and intelligence operations.

Defrin characterized the Israeli strikes as “a deep and comprehensive blow to the Iranian threat,” suggesting systematic degradation of Iran’s military infrastructure and command capabilities.

Powerful explosions rocked Tel Aviv shortly before dawn Monday, creating plumes of black smoke over the coastal city. Iranian missiles struck a residential building in the central Israeli city of Petah Tikva, damaging concrete walls, shattering windows, and destroying walls of multiple apartments.

Iranian missiles targeted an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa for the second consecutive night. The early morning strike killed three workers who were sheltering in a building’s safe room when the impact caused a stairwell to collapse, trapping them inside. Despite firefighters’ efforts to extinguish the resulting fire and conduct rescue operations, the three workers died before rescuers could reach them.

One Iranian missile fell near the American consulate in Tel Aviv, with blast waves causing minor damage to the facility. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed on social media that no American personnel were injured in the incident.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared to make a diplomatic overture to the United States on Monday, suggesting Washington could play a crucial role in ending hostilities. “If Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Araghchi wrote on social media.

“It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu,” Iran’s top diplomat stated. “That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy.” The message came after scheduled talks between the United States and Iran were canceled over the weekend following Israeli targeting of key military and political officials in Tehran.

On Sunday, Araghchi indicated that Iran would cease its strikes if Israel implemented a similar cessation, suggesting potential diplomatic pathways despite the escalating violence.

The conflict has forced most Middle Eastern countries to close their airspace, with dozens of airports suspending all flights or severely reducing operations. The aviation disruptions have left tens of thousands of passengers stranded and prevented others from fleeing the conflict zone or returning home.

Iranian health authorities reported 1,277 wounded individuals across the country, while Iranians also reported implementation of fuel rationing measures. However, rights groups including the Washington-based Iranian advocacy organization Human Rights Activists suggest the Iranian government’s death toll represents a significant undercount.

The human rights organization claims to have documented more than 400 deaths, including 197 civilians, indicating that casualty figures may be substantially higher than officially reported. The discrepancy highlights the challenges of obtaining accurate information during active conflict.

Prior to launching its initial attack, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency reportedly positioned explosive drones and precision weapons inside Iran, demonstrating extensive preparation and intelligence penetration. Iran has subsequently detained several individuals and executed one person on suspicion of espionage, reflecting the regime’s concern about internal security breaches.

The escalating conflict has raised international concerns about the potential for all-out war between the regional powers, threatening to propel the already volatile Middle East into greater upheaval. The involvement of nuclear facilities and Trump’s explicit warnings about Iran’s nuclear program add a dangerous dimension to the military confrontation.

The simultaneous targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and media facilities, alongside military targets has intensified humanitarian concerns about the conflict’s impact on non-combatant populations in both countries.

AP

Russian Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine Kills 15, Injures 116

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A massive Russian missile and drone bombardment killed at least 15 people and injured 116 others across Ukraine during overnight attacks Tuesday, with the heaviest assault concentrated on the capital Kyiv, where civilians were targeted while sleeping in their homes.

Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko reported 14 deaths and 99 injuries as explosions reverberated throughout the city for hours during the nighttime assault. The bombardment completely destroyed a nine-story residential building and demolished dozens of apartments, prompting emergency workers to conduct rescue operations to extract survivors from beneath the debris.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the scale of the Russian offensive, stating that Moscow launched more than 440 drones and 32 missiles at Ukrainian targets. He characterized the Kyiv attack as “one of the most terrifying strikes” on the capital since the conflict began.

The assault represents one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv in recent months and occurred following two rounds of direct peace negotiations that failed to achieve progress toward ending the war, now in its fourth year. The timing underscores Russia’s continued commitment to military pressure despite diplomatic efforts.

Russia has systematically targeted civilian areas throughout Ukraine using missiles and drones, resulting in more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths according to United Nations documentation. Russian officials maintain they only strike military targets, despite extensive evidence of attacks on residential and civilian infrastructure.

Moscow has significantly intensified its aerial campaigns in recent months. Russia launched nearly 500 drones at Ukraine on June 10 in what represented the largest overnight drone bombardment of the war. The capital also endured heavy bombardment on April 24, when at least 12 people were killed in the deadliest assault on Kyiv in eight months.

The escalated long-range attacks have coincided with Russia’s summer offensive targeting eastern and northeastern sections of the approximately 1,000-kilometer front line, where Ukrainian forces face personnel shortages and require additional military support from Western allies.

Uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy regarding the conflict has generated doubts about the level of assistance Kyiv can expect. Zelenskyy had been scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump in Canada on Tuesday to advocate for increased support, but the White House announced Trump’s early return to Washington Monday night due to Middle East tensions.

Ukrainian forces have responded with their own domestically manufactured long-range drone capabilities. The Russian military reported intercepting 203 Ukrainian drones across 10 Russian regions between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, indicating the conflict’s expanding geographic scope.

Russian civil aviation agency Rosaviatsia temporarily suspended flights at all four Moscow airports overnight, along with airports in Kaluga, Tambov, and Nizhny Novgorod as a precautionary measure against potential Ukrainian drone activity.

The Russian drone strikes also targeted the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, killing one person and injuring 17 others, according to regional administration head Oleh Kiper. The attack on Odesa demonstrates Russia’s continued focus on disrupting Ukraine’s economic infrastructure and maritime capabilities.

Zelenskyy criticized international inaction regarding Russian aggression, stating that Putin “is doing this simply because he can afford to continue the war. He wants the war to go on. It is troubling when the powerful of this world turn a blind eye to it.”

The almost nine-hour Russian assault delivered “direct hits on residential buildings,” according to a Kyiv City Military Administration statement. “Rockets from the upper floors to the basement,” officials described, indicating the comprehensive destruction of targeted structures.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that a U.S. citizen died in the attack after suffering shrapnel wounds, highlighting the international dimension of civilian casualties. Thirty apartments were destroyed in a single residential block after being struck by a ballistic missile, Klymenko reported.

“We have 27 locations that were attacked by the enemy. We currently have over 2,000 people working there, rescuers, police, municipal services and doctors,” Klymenko told reporters at one attack site, illustrating the massive emergency response required.

Olena Lapyshniak, a 49-year-old resident whose apartment building was nearly leveled, described the terrifying experience. She heard a whistling sound followed by two explosions that destroyed her windows and doors. “It’s horrible, it’s scary, in one moment there is no life,” she said. “There’s no military infrastructure here, nothing here, nothing. It’s horrible when people just die at night.”

Casualties were reported in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi and Solomianskyi districts. Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said fires erupted in two additional city districts from falling debris of drones shot down by Ukrainian air defenses, demonstrating that even successful defensive actions can cause collateral damage.

The escalation follows Ukraine’s Security Service staging an audacious operation targeting Russian military aircraft at air bases deep within Russian territory, suggesting that Moscow’s intensified attacks may represent retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian military assets.

The attack’s timing and scale reflect Russia’s strategy of maintaining pressure on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure while diplomatic efforts remain stalled. The targeting of residential buildings during nighttime hours when families are sleeping represents a continuation of tactics that international observers have characterized as deliberate attacks on civilian populations.

The humanitarian impact extends beyond immediate casualties, as thousands of residents have been displaced from damaged buildings and essential services disrupted across affected areas. Emergency services continue working to assess the full extent of damage and provide assistance to affected civilians.

The international community faces renewed pressure to respond to the escalating civilian casualties and systematic targeting of non-military infrastructure. The attack underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting Ukrainian civilians while diplomatic solutions remain elusive in the protracted conflict.

Chelsea’s Club World Cup Opener Played Before Tens of Thousands of Empty Seats in Atlanta

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ATLANTA — Chelsea’s much-anticipated debut in the Fifa Club World Cup was played out in front of nearly 50,000 empty seats at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, highlighting growing concerns over scheduling, pricing, and the tournament’s lack of appeal to American audiences.

Despite Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC, the sight of a mostly vacant stadium dominated conversation around the newly expanded tournament. Official attendance was listed at 22,137 in a venue that can accommodate 71,000, though the upper tier was closed entirely and vast swaths of the lower bowl sat half-empty.

The match kicked off at 3 p.m. on a Monday, a decision that baffled observers given the weekday work schedule and time zone constraints.

“The environment was a bit strange,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca post-match. “The stadium was almost empty… but we are professionals and have to adapt.”

Ticket pricing and tournament marketing have been widely criticized. Though seats dropped to £26 during the match, prices were significantly higher earlier in the lead-up, with the cheapest pre-kickoff tickets hovering around £37. Despite this, tickets were still available in almost every section.

LAFC, a late addition to the tournament after Leon was disqualified, brought just 150 fans—but they dominated the atmosphere. Chelsea supporters were vocal for goals and player debuts, but overall engagement was subdued.

The matchup was also geographically awkward: Los Angeles is over 2,000 miles from Atlanta, and local interest seemed lacking despite the city being home to Atlanta United, one of Major League Soccer’s best-supported clubs with an average home attendance of 44,037.

In stark contrast, Chelsea previously drew more than 70,000 fans to the same stadium in 2022 for a preseason friendly against Newcastle, suggesting that the Club World Cup’s format and execution—not the teams—may be to blame.

The tournament, hosted exclusively in the United States, is being viewed as a test run for the 2026 World Cup, set to be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. But the early signs are troubling.

Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution attributed the low turnout to timing and lack of public familiarity.

“The people aren’t here because it’s Monday at 3 p.m.,” he said. “It’s a tournament that doesn’t mean a lot to people in the U.S. because it’s new… and people are trying to save money for the actual World Cup next year.”

Jonathan Tannenwald, chief soccer correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer, blamed Fifa’s marketing missteps.

“There was no local organizing committee,” Tannenwald said. “They expected people to just show up. That’s on Fifa.”

According to BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, the sight of tens of thousands of empty red seats marked a “grim confirmation” of long-standing fears that the Club World Cup might struggle for relevance in an already oversaturated football calendar.

“It’s an early embarrassment for Fifa,” McNulty wrote, “and perhaps a warning about realistic ticket pricing and match scheduling ahead of 2026.”

While Chelsea-LAFC flopped in the stands, other matches have done better. More than 55,000 watched Boca Juniors vs. Benfica in Miami later the same day. The tournament opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly reportedly drew 60,927 fans, while PSG’s 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in California attracted 80,619.

Still, tickets remain available for every remaining match. While Real Madrid’s opener is nearly sold out through official channels, resale markets suggest thousands remain unsold.

Fifa implemented a “dynamic pricing” model, where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. Reports indicated some students were even offered four free tickets with a single £14.70 purchase as part of late promotional efforts.

LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo noted the contrast between cities: “Maybe LA likes football more than Atlanta.”

Trump to Depart G7 Summit Early as Middle East Tensions Escalate

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KANANASKIS, Alberta — President Donald Trump will cut short his participation in the Group of Seven summit in Canada and return to Washington Monday night, citing rising tensions in the Middle East as the primary reason for his early departure, the White House confirmed.

The announcement came just hours after French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Trump had extended an offer aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, in what would be a significant diplomatic maneuver amid fears of regional escalation.

“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X.

Trump’s early exit further complicated an already fractured summit, where G7 leaders have struggled to present a unified front on issues ranging from the war in Ukraine to mounting hostilities in the Middle East. Trump’s visible alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his push for renewed tariffs have further strained relations among the Western allies.

A U.S. official confirmed that Trump refused to endorse a draft G7 statement calling for the de-escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, deepening divisions on how to proceed diplomatically.

Despite this, Macron characterized Trump’s initiative positively, saying the offer to mediate in the Israel-Iran conflict could open a path to wider talks.

“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 told reporters. “We have to see now whether the sides will follow.”

While in Canada, Trump doubled down on his past criticism of Russia’s expulsion from the G8 in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea, calling it a “big mistake.” Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said Russia would not have invaded Ukraine in 2022 had it remained part of the group.

“Putin speaks to me. He doesn’t speak to anybody else… he’s not a happy person about it,” Trump said. “He basically doesn’t even speak to the people that threw him out, and I agree with him.”

While he stopped short of advocating for Russia’s formal return, Trump’s remarks cast doubt on whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is scheduled to meet G7 leaders Tuesday, will gain the full support of the group.

European leaders had hoped to pressure Trump into backing harsher sanctions on Moscow, but those efforts appear to have faltered.

A Ukrainian Embassy spokesperson confirmed that Zelenskiy still plans to attend the summit, despite Trump’s departure.

Fearing a repeat of the 2018 G7 summit in Quebec, where Trump abruptly pulled U.S. approval from the joint statement after leaving, Canada has opted not to pursue a comprehensive communiqué this year.

Leaked draft documents on migration, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals have been circulated among G7 members, but none have secured American approval. One European diplomat told Reuters that without Trump’s participation, any final declaration is “in doubt.”

Carney extended invitations to non-G7 countries including Mexico, India, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine to broaden the summit’s diplomatic scope.

Despite the diplomatic strain, Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the finalization of a bilateral trade agreement, making Britain the first nation to lock in lower U.S. tariffs under the current administration.

Carney also said he and Trump had agreed to work toward a new economic and security pact within the next 30 days.

Trump hinted at a possible trade deal with Canada but underscored that tariffs remain central to any negotiation — a point rejected by Canadian officials.

“Our position is that we should have no tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States,” said Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to Washington.

As Trump departs for Washington and the Middle East crisis deepens, questions remain about whether the G7 can maintain diplomatic coherence in his absence — or whether the group’s unity will fracture further.

Iranian State Broadcaster Hit as Iran Urges Trump to Force Israel Ceasefire

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An Israeli airstrike damaged Iran’s state broadcasting facility on Monday as Tehran appealed to President Donald Trump to pressure Israel into halting their escalating aerial conflict, which has entered its fifth day with mounting casualties on both sides.

Israel confirmed it targeted Iran’s broadcasting authority late Monday, with footage showing a newsreader quickly evacuating her position as an explosion struck the building. The Israeli military stated the facility also functioned as a communications center utilized by Iranian armed forces.

The conflict intensified on Tuesday as air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv shortly after midnight, signaling additional Iranian missile launches toward Israeli targets. Iran has reported more than 224 deaths, predominantly civilians, while Israel has confirmed 24 fatalities, all civilians.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi conveyed to four European counterparts that Iran remained committed to diplomatic solutions while currently focused on responding to what it characterizes as Israeli aggression, according to Iranian state media reports. Israel has declared its objective as eliminating Tehran’s capacity to develop nuclear weapons.

Sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts told Reuters that Tehran has approached Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to persuade Trump to leverage his influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an immediate ceasefire. In exchange, Iran indicated willingness to demonstrate flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources.

Araqchi emphasized the diplomatic stakes in a social media post, stating that if Trump genuinely supported diplomacy and sought to end the war, the next steps would be crucial. “Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue,” he wrote. “It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu.”

When asked about potential negotiations if Trump desired them, Netanyahu told reporters that Israel remained committed to eliminating threats from both nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. “If this can be achieved in another way, fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance,” Netanyahu said.

Trump had previously told Reuters on Friday, the first day of Israel’s assault, that he had provided Iran with 60 days to reach an agreement halting uranium enrichment, but that deadline had expired without a deal. Scheduled talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Oman for Sunday, were cancelled as Tehran declared it could not negotiate while under attack.

Iranian media reported that Iran was preparing for its “largest and most intense missile attack” yet against Israel, targeting military and intelligence installations.

The Israeli air campaign began with a surprise attack that eliminated nearly the entire senior leadership of Iran’s military command structure and its prominent nuclear scientists. Israel now claims control of Iranian airspace and has announced plans to escalate operations in coming days.

Israeli forces reported striking Iranian F-14 fighter aircraft at Tehran airport on Monday. The airstrikes have disabled at least two of Iran’s three operational uranium enrichment facilities, dealing significant damage to the country’s nuclear infrastructure.

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC on Monday that approximately 15,000 centrifuges operating at Iran’s largest uranium enrichment plant at Natanz were likely severely damaged or destroyed due to power disruptions caused by Israeli strikes. He noted that the separate Fordow facility had sustained very limited or no damage.

For the first time in decades of shadow warfare and proxy conflicts, Iran launched missiles directly from its territory that successfully penetrated Israeli defenses in significant numbers, killing Israelis in their homes. Television coverage showed Israeli rescue teams working through debris of destroyed residential buildings.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reported that nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated from their homes since Iranian strikes commenced, with 24 buildings scheduled for demolition due to damage sustained in the attacks.

Iranian state television broadcast images of collapsed government buildings, burned vehicles, and damaged streets throughout Tehran. Many residents attempted to flee the capital, describing long queues at gas stations and bank machines depleted of cash.

Gholamreza Mohammadi, a 48-year-old civil servant in Tehran, described the terror experienced by civilians. “I am desperate. My two children are scared and cannot sleep at night because of the sound of air defense and attacks, explosions. But we have nowhere to go. We hid under our dining table,” he told Reuters by telephone.

Trump has consistently maintained that the Israeli assault could conclude rapidly if Iran accepted U.S. demands for strict limitations on its nuclear program. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, Trump expressed confidence in reaching an agreement.

“As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign,” Trump stated. “I think Iran is basically at the negotiating table,” he added without providing additional details.

Iranian lawmakers floated the possibility of withdrawing from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty on Monday, a move that would likely complicate any future negotiations. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, though the IAEA declared last week that Tehran was violating its treaty obligations.

Before dawn Monday, Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least eight people and destroying residential properties. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the latest attack employed new tactics that caused Israel’s multi-layered defense systems to target each other, allowing missiles to penetrate protective barriers.

The Bazan energy group, based in Haifa, reported significant damage to its power station in an attack that killed three employees and forced the shutdown of refinery operations. The facility’s closure highlighted the conflict’s impact on critical infrastructure.

Oil prices declined one dollar per barrel on Monday in volatile trading following reports of Iran’s diplomatic overtures, raising possibilities of a ceasefire and reducing concerns about disruptions to regional crude oil supplies.

The elimination of numerous Iranian military commanders and the apparent loss of airspace control represents potentially the most significant challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership system since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s defense capabilities while demonstrating Israel’s air superiority in the region.

The diplomatic efforts through Gulf intermediaries reflect both sides’ recognition of the conflict’s escalating costs and the international community’s concern about regional stability. Trump’s role as a potential mediator has become central to ceasefire discussions, with Iran betting that American pressure could restrain Israeli military operations.

The nuclear dimension adds complexity to the crisis, as Israeli strikes on enrichment facilities have set back Iran’s uranium production capabilities while potentially strengthening arguments for international intervention. The conflict’s resolution may ultimately depend on balancing immediate ceasefire demands with longer-term nuclear containment objectives.

Death Toll in North-Central Nigeria Gunmen Attack Rises to 150, Survivors Say

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YELEWATA, Nigeria — The death toll from a brutal weekend attack by gunmen on a village in north-central Nigeria has climbed to at least 150, according to survivors, as grieving families continue to recover charred remains and search for the missing amid burned-out homes and destroyed farmlands.

The assault unfolded late Friday in Yelewata, a farming community in Benue State, where assailants stormed the village under cover of darkness, opening fire on sleeping residents and setting shelters ablaze. Dozens of victims had been seeking refuge in a local market after escaping earlier violence elsewhere in the region.

“Everything is gone,” said Titus Tsegba, a resident who lost his wife and four children in the flames. “They were burned into ashes beyond recognition.”

Authorities initially reported 100 deaths, but survivors and local leaders say the toll has sharply risen as more bodies are pulled from the ruins. Many residents remain unaccounted for.

No group has claimed responsibility for the killings, though officials suspect the attackers were armed herdsmen, part of a growing trend of violence tied to long-running disputes between pastoralist groups and farmers over access to land and water.

Benue State has become one of the bloodiest flashpoints in Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, where confrontations between Fulani herders and indigenous farmers have increasingly turned into well-armed assaults on entire communities.

Deputy Governor Sam Ode said he believes herders were behind Friday’s attack and described the scale of destruction as unprecedented.

Survivors described how the attackers surrounded Yelewata, trapping residents inside before unleashing gunfire and setting buildings alight. The gunmen also targeted food warehouses, destroying rice and yam harvests critical to the local economy.

“They were coming from different sides,” said Jacob Psokaa, who lost his father in the raid. “It was sporadic shooting. Many didn’t have a chance to run.”

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, under fire over rising insecurity nationwide, condemned the Yelewata killings as a “senseless bloodletting” and vowed justice. His office confirmed he will visit the devastated community on Wednesday.

“I have directed security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts, and prosecute them,” Tinubu said. “Enough is enough.”

But frustration is mounting in Benue and beyond, as residents accuse federal authorities of failing to halt an epidemic of rural violence. Armed clashes involving herdsmen, extremist groups, and criminal gangs have claimed thousands of lives in recent years, and Nigeria’s Middle Belt remains one of the most unstable regions in the country.

In Yelewata, the grief is overwhelming — and the needs are immediate. Dozens of families have been displaced, left without shelter, food, or security. Humanitarian groups are calling for urgent aid and longer-term conflict resolution efforts.

“This village is now a graveyard,” said one resident. “If nothing is done, this will keep happening.”

The massacre adds to a growing toll of violence in 2025 as Nigeria grapples with overlapping threats from ethnic conflict, insurgency, and criminal activity — with rural communities like Yelewata paying the highest price.

34 Killed in Deadliest Day of Shootings Near Gaza Food Distribution Centers

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Israeli forces killed 34 Palestinians on Monday as crowds attempted to reach food distribution centers in Gaza, marking the deadliest single day of such shootings since a new aid system launched last month, according to health officials and witnesses.

The shootings occurred at two locations operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a private contractor managing the Israeli and U.S.-supported distribution network. Health Ministry officials in Hamas-controlled Gaza reported that 33 Palestinians died while trying to reach the GHF center near Rafah in southern Gaza, with one additional fatality at a central Gaza distribution hub.

The Israeli military did not provide immediate comment on Monday’s shootings. Following previous incidents that have occurred almost daily since the aid centers opened three weeks ago, Israeli forces have stated they fired warning shots at suspected individuals approaching their positions, though they have not confirmed whether those shots caused casualties.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as thousands of Palestinians gathered around 4 a.m. at Flag Roundabout, located hundreds of meters from the Rafah food center, before its scheduled opening time. Heba Jouda and Mohamed Abed, two Palestinians present in the crowd, reported that Israeli troops began firing as people massed at the location.

“Fire was coming from everywhere,” said Jouda, who has made repeated trips to obtain food for her family over the past week. People dropped to the ground seeking cover as gunfire erupted around them. “It’s getting worse day by day,” she added.

The Red Cross field hospital near the scene received approximately 200 injured individuals on Monday, representing the highest single mass casualty event the facility has experienced, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The previous day, around 170 people were brought to the same facility, with most suffering gunshot wounds sustained while attempting to reach the GHF center.

Flag Roundabout has become a focal point for repeated shootings, despite being located on the route designated by the Israeli military for civilians to access the distribution center. Palestinians have reported that Israeli troops open fire to prevent people from advancing beyond a certain point on the road before scheduled opening times or when individuals deviate from the designated route.

The Health Ministry’s casualty count made Monday the deadliest day around the food distribution sites since June 2, when 31 people were killed in similar circumstances. Ministry officials report that several hundred people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in such shootings since the centers began operations.

A GHF spokesperson told The Associated Press on Sunday that “none of the incidents to date have occurred at our sites or during operating hours.” The organization stated that the incidents have involved aid-seekers moving “during prohibited times or trying to take a short cut.” The foundation indicated it was working to improve safety measures, including recently shifting opening times from nighttime to daylight hours.

Palestinians face an impossible choice between starvation and risking death as they navigate past Israeli forces to reach distribution points. The desperate situation has developed after most food supplies were exhausted during the two and a half months this year when Israel blocked all supplies from entering the territory. Israel has since eased the blockade to allow a limited amount of aid to enter.

The GHF system represents a significant shift in Gaza’s humanitarian landscape. Israel and the United States have positioned it as a replacement for the United Nations-led humanitarian operation that has delivered aid across Gaza throughout the 20-month Israel-Hamas war. Israeli officials contend that the new mechanism is necessary to prevent Hamas from diverting aid supplies.

However, United Nations agencies and major aid organizations have rejected the new system, denying claims of widespread theft by Hamas. These groups argue that the GHF system cannot adequately meet the population’s needs and effectively weaponizes food distribution to advance Israeli military objectives, including relocating Gaza’s more than 2 million Palestinians into a “sterile” southern enclave.

Anna Halford, a field coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, testified before Britain’s House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday, characterizing Israel’s claims of extensive aid diversion by Hamas as “specious and cynical.” She argued these allegations were designed “to undermine a humanitarian system which was actually functioning.”

“This is neither a humanitarian enterprise nor a system. This is basically lethal chaos,” Halford told lawmakers when asked about the GHF centers.

International experts have warned that Israel’s ongoing military campaign and restrictions on aid entry have placed Gaza at severe risk of famine. The current food distribution system has become a deadly bottleneck, forcing civilians to risk their lives for basic sustenance.

Israel’s military campaign, launched in October 2023 with the stated goal of destroying Hamas, has resulted in over 55,300 Palestinian deaths, with more than half being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry’s casualty figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The Israeli operation began in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, during which militants killed approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and took 251 individuals hostage. Currently, 53 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with fewer than half believed to be alive, following the release of others through ceasefire agreements and prisoner exchanges.

The ongoing violence around food distribution centers highlights the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where basic survival has become a life-threatening endeavor for the civilian population. The international community continues to grapple with finding effective solutions to deliver aid safely while addressing the underlying conflict dynamics that have made humanitarian assistance increasingly dangerous.

Trump Warns Tehran Citizens to Evacuate ‘Immediately’ Amid Escalating Nuclear Tensions

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QUEBEC CITY, Canada — President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning on social media urging the immediate evacuation of Iran’s capital, Tehran, as he attended the G7 summit in Canada, further inflaming international concerns over an escalating crisis in the Middle East.

In the post, Trump reiterated his long-standing opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran, writing in all caps: “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.” He followed the message with a blunt admonition referencing last week’s Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets: “They should have signed the deal I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life.”

The post concluded with a dramatic call to action: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

Trump’s statement, broadcast to millions of followers via his proprietary social platform, appeared to warn of either imminent military escalation or severe consequences for Iran’s continued nuclear development — though no direct threat or specific intelligence was disclosed.

The message comes amid the worst flare-up between Israel and Iran in years. Israel last week launched precision strikes that killed multiple senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard intelligence division. The Iranian government has since vowed retaliation, raising fears of a broader regional war.

Tehran, a city of nearly 10 million residents, has remained on high alert as tensions with Israel and the West intensify. There was no immediate response from Iranian authorities to Trump’s evacuation directive, but the post quickly went viral across Middle Eastern and global news networks.

In recent days, Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the United States will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. While he has not specified what actions the U.S. would take, Monday’s post marks the most explicit public warning directed at Iranian civilians since the conflict began to escalate.

However, his statement was made independently of any official U.S. government communication, raising questions about coordination with diplomatic and defense officials.

Trump’s latest post adds a new layer of unpredictability to an already volatile situation. Analysts say the warning may be intended to increase psychological pressure on Iran’s leadership or galvanize international opinion, though it also risks being interpreted as a provocation or precursor to military action.

“This kind of language carries tremendous weight,” said Robert Malley, a former U.S. envoy on Iran policy. “Whether it’s a bluff, a warning, or a signal of something more serious, it adds urgency to an already explosive conflict.”

As global leaders meet in Quebec for the G7, the focus has increasingly shifted from economic policy to global security, with Iran’s nuclear threat and the specter of full-scale war in the Middle East dominating the conversation.

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