(The Center Square) – The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump would be departing the G7 summit early, citing matters in the Middle East.
Trump told reporters he had to be “back as soon as I can…I have to be back early.”
“This is big stuff,” the president told reporters Monday evening in Alberta, Canada.
Despite earlier unconfirmed reports that the U.S. had joined Israel in a fight against Iran, Alex Pfeiffer, deputy assistant to the president and principal of deputy communications at the White House, denied the reports.
“This is not true. American forces are maintaining their defensive posture, and that has not changed. We will defend American interests,” Pfeiffer posted to X.
Earlier in the evening, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the president’s early departure from the summit after what she described as a great day for the president.
“President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 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,” Leavitt posted to X.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted an ominous message to Iran and its people, warning them to evacuate.
“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” the president posted to Truth Social.
He followed the warning with another post, reiterating that Iran should not have nuclear weapons.
“AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” he posted later.
This is a developing story…
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
