President Donald Trump publicly denied claims by French President Emmanuel Macron that he had proposed a cease-fire between Israel and Iran, describing Macron as "publicity seeking" and insisting his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada was for reasons "much bigger than that."
Macron, speaking Monday in Alberta, told reporters that Trump had extended "an offer... especially to get a cease-fire and to then kick-start broader discussions." The French leader said, "We have to see now whether the sides will follow."
Trump swiftly responded in a Truth Social post Monday night, writing, "Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a 'cease fire' between Israel and Iran. Wrong!" He continued: "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!"
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump's early departure, citing rising tensions in the Middle East. "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 wrote on X. Trump reportedly directed his national security team to convene in the White House Situation Room upon his arrival.
Trump emphasized his stance on Iran, declaring in another Truth Social post: "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."
Earlier at the summit, Trump said, "They have to make a deal, and it's painful for both parties, but I'd say Iran is not winning this war, and they usually talk, and they should talk immediately, before it's too late."
The latest flare-up in the Middle East was triggered by Israel's launch of Operation Rising Lion, a military campaign targeting Iranian nuclear sites and senior leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The operation came amid reports that Tehran was nearing the threshold for uranium enrichment needed to build a nuclear weapon.
Iran retaliated by launching a series of ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which penetrated the country's Iron Dome defense system. According to government figures cited by Israeli and Iranian media, dozens of Israelis and hundreds of Iranians have died in the crossfire.
The Trump administration has maintained it is not assisting Israel's military operations, though Israeli officials are reportedly urging Washington to provide specialized munitions to neutralize fortified sites like the Fordow uranium facility, buried deep in an Iranian mountain.
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 and has since proposed a replacement deal, offering Tehran a final opportunity to curtail its nuclear ambitions. A 60-day window previously offered to Iran is now nearing its expiration.
Macron, speaking separately at the G7, warned against escalating regime-change rhetoric, calling such efforts a "strategic error." He added, "All who have thought that by bombing from the outside you can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken," according to the Times of Israel.
