Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron's assertion that he had left the G7 summit in Canada early to work on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Trump stated that his return to Washington had no connection to any ceasefire efforts, contradicting Macron's comments.

According to France24.com, Trump reiterated his position on social media, clarifying his departure from the Group of Seven nations summit. He criticized Macron for suggesting that the US president had proposed a ceasefire, emphasizing that he had not engaged in any peace talks with Iran. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Macron's claims were inaccurate and that his early exit from the summit was unrelated to the conflict involving Israel and Iran.

Trump further clarified that he had not initiated any peace negotiations with Iran, adding that if Iran wished to discuss peace, they knew how to contact him. He reflected on a previous deal that, according to him, could have prevented the ongoing violence and loss of lives.

The conflict between Iran and Israel intensified last Friday when Israel launched airstrikes, escalating tensions in a region already fraught with conflict since Israel's military operations in Gaza began in October 2023. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in significant casualties, with Iran reporting over 220 deaths, primarily civilians, and Israel reporting 24 civilian deaths.

Israel and its allies, including the United States, have long pressured Iran to halt its nuclear weapons program. Iran, however, denies pursuing nuclear weapons, insisting on its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it is a signatory. Meanwhile, Israel, not a signatory to the NPT, is believed to possess nuclear weapons.

The US government has indicated that Trump remains focused on achieving a nuclear agreement with Iran, despite the ongoing regional tensions and military engagements.

Source: France24.com