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'Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," leaders meeting in Alberta say
G7 leaders at the 2025 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta.
Photo courtesy Government of Canada
June 17, 2025
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OSV News photo/David Snyder, Catholic Relief Services
Banff, Alberta
Leaders of Group of Seven (G7) nations released a joint statement late on June 16 conveying support for Israel’s security and declaring that “we have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
The leaders also “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.”
Additionally, they expressed “the importance of the protection of civilians”. Furthermore, “we will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability.”
The crisis that has been unfolding for years between the two bitter enemies took another step when Israel launched strikes against Iran June 13 which precipitated a response from Iran. Hundreds have died in the airstrikes each has launched against each other for several days straight.
Israel targeted what it said was Iran's nuclear capabilities and armed forces leadership. Iran is said to have been developing nuclear weapons and was close to building an atomic weapon.
The escalation of hostilities became an unplanned and pressing matter for the G7 leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron telling reporters ceasefire discussions were underway.
Buzz was generated throughout the International Media Centre for the G7 Summit earlier in the day when word spread that U.S. President Donald Trump had initially opposed signing a joint declaration. A senior White House official told media outlets that there was not a need for Trump to sign on given his already public comments about the Israel-Iran conflict.
However, before his sudden departure from Kananaskis one day earlier than planned to monitor the unfolding conflict, the 45th and 47th U.S. President did sign the statement.
During his joint press availability in the morning with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said that Iran “should talk and talk immediately before it is too late.”
For his part, Carney told assembled media before the first G7 working session that he and his fellow leaders from the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union are meeting at “one of those hinge moments — those turning points in history. The world is more divided and dangerous.”
Regarding the Canadian PM, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), an agency of the Jewish Federations of Canada, urged Carney and the other world leaders in a June 15 statement to be resolute.
"As Prime Minister Carney prepares to host world leaders at the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, democracies must unite to reaffirm Israel’s right to defend itself — and to act decisively against the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran,” stated Noah Shack, the interim president of the CIJA.
The Catholic Register connected with the CIJA’s press office multiple times on June 16 to inquire if a fresh statement was coming from the agency in reaction to the discourse from Kananaskis and was told that updated remarks were not presently in the works.
Reaction was also sought from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (ICFJ) of Canada and was referred to the news updates posted on the ICFJ Canada website.
“Since Friday, more than 350 missiles have been launched at Israel from Iran, resulting in the tragic loss of 24 lives and injuring over 300 people,” stated ICFJ Canada. “The cities most affected include Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Haifa and Bnei Brak.
“Despite damage to infrastructure and buildings, The Fellowship has been working around the clock to respond to both immediate and emerging needs. Warm meals are being delivered to those sheltering in their homes, and emergency preparedness boxes containing food and essential aid are being distributed to shelters across affected areas.”
ICFJ Canada also shared Psalm 122:6-7 — “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”
The Register reached out to the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Office for Promoting Christian Unity and Religious Relations with Judaism for comment, but the office did not reply by its print press deadline.
Israel launched its campaign codenamed “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13. The strikes have thus far damaged key nuclear sites and military installations, and killed several top Iranian military leaders and a number of nuclear scientists.
(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)
A version of this story appeared in the June 22, 2025, issue of The Catholic Registerwith the headline "G7 supports Israel’s right to defend itself".
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