From Iran to Ukraine and Gaza: G7 Leaders Define the Priorities of the Next Phase
The leaders of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations have reshaped the contours of their geopolitical priorities in a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement, reviewed by Al Ain News, focused on three major issues: the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Welcoming the Agreement with Iran
Regarding the Middle East, the leaders welcomed the agreement announced between the United States and Iran, reached under the strong leadership of President Donald Trump and with the support of mediating countries.
They described the agreement as a historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to address concerns related to its regional activities and ballistic missile programs.
The statement reaffirmed the G7 countries’ support for the agreement and their readiness to contribute to its implementation.
The leaders stressed that any subsequent diplomatic process must ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon and must also address the threats that the group believes are associated with Iran’s regional and international role.
The G7 leaders further reiterated that Iran “will never possess a nuclear weapon,” emphasizing “the importance of involving regional and international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, in any future negotiations.”
The Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security
With regard to maritime security, the statement underscored the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a cornerstone of international trade.
The leaders welcomed the potential role of a multinational initiative led by France and the United Kingdom to secure commercial shipping routes, assist in mine-clearing operations, and reassure maritime transport companies.
The group also expressed support for accelerating the diversification of energy supply routes and reducing global dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, alongside increasing energy reserves.
The G7 welcomed Canada’s potential to provide additional supplies to global markets in the coming years.
Renewed Support for Ukraine
On Ukraine, the leaders reaffirmed their support for the country in its confrontation with Russia, emphasizing their commitment to standing with Kyiv in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement praised Ukraine’s resilience and the progress achieved on the battlefield in recent months, arguing that a “new momentum” warrants stronger Western support.
The group announced its intention to increase deliveries of air defense systems, interceptor missiles, and long-range capabilities, while also examining expanded licensing arrangements that would enable Ukraine to increase domestic military production.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s energy sector to help it withstand the coming winter.
They stressed the need to maintain pressure on Russia through tougher sanctions, particularly targeting the oil and gas sectors, arguing that current conditions are favorable for additional measures.
Lebanon and Gaza
The statement also addressed the situation in Lebanon, where the group expressed support for an immediate and robust ceasefire, as well as for efforts by the Lebanese leadership to disarm Hezbollah, ensure the state’s monopoly over weapons, safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and provide appropriate international security guarantees.
In the Gaza Strip, G7 countries reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, alongside implementing relevant political and security measures. They also called for an end to violence in the West Bank.
Messages to China and North Korea
In the Indo-Pacific region, the group reaffirmed its support for a free and open region governed by the rule of law.
The leaders renewed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, or across the Taiwan Strait.
They also expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and called for complete denuclearization in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The leaders emphasized the need to counter cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft operations attributed to Pyongyang.
Global Economic Imbalances
The G7 leaders concluded their statement by stressing the importance of continuing dialogue with major economies to address global economic imbalances.
They welcomed the “Global Convergence for Growth” summit hosted by France with the participation of China.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing these efforts within the framework of the G20 and other international forums.
