G7 Summit focused on Iran, war, and rare minerals

(Patria) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that in a phone call yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, she stated that diplomacy is the best "long-term" solution in the conflict with Iran.

However, von der Leyen did not call for an immediate ceasefire, stating that "Iran undoubtedly should not have nuclear weapons".

"Of course, I think that negotiations, in the long run, are the best solution," she added.

She reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself, but emphasized that a diplomatic solution is the best long-term option for resolving Iran's nuclear program.

"Iran is the main source of regional instability, and we have always been very clear - Iran must never have nuclear weapons," said von der Leyen.

"Recent events have highlighted the increasing connection between the conflicts in Europe on the one hand and the Middle East on the other. The same type of Iranian drones and ballistic missiles are hitting cities in both Ukraine and Israel," she added.

G7 leaders gathered in Canada for a three-day summit held in the shadow of a dangerous military escalation between Israel and Iran that could escalate into a wider regional conflict. In addition to tensions in the Middle East, leaders will also discuss the war in Ukraine, global trade disputes, migration, and ensuring access to rare minerals today.

"We must exert greater pressure on Russia to ensure a real ceasefire, bring Russia to the negotiating table, and end this war, and sanctions are key to this purpose," von der Leyen said at a press conference before the start of the meeting of Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States of America, which begins on Monday.

"Last week, we presented a proposal for a package of 18 sanctions. I will call on all G7 partners to join us in this endeavor," said von der Leyen.