…Declares support for security of Israel
The Group of Seven (G7) has restated its firm position insisting that the Islamic Republic of Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
This stance of the G7 comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — along with the EU as a non-enumerated member, was again expressed in a joint statement by the foreign ministers of G7 nations and the high representative of the European Union following recent developments in Iran and the Middle East.
The G7 while emphasized its unified stance on nuclear non-proliferation, said; “We reaffirm that the Islamic Republic of Iran can never have nuclear weapons, and urge Iran to refrain from reconstituting its unjustified enrichment activities”.
The group called for the revival of diplomatic effortsand also demanded the resumption of negotiations, resulting in a comprehensive, verifiable, and durable agreement that addresses Iran’s nuclear programme.
To achieve a sustainable resolution, the G7 tasked Iran to “urgently resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)” as required by its safeguards obligations.
The statement also urged Iran to provide verifiable information about all nuclear material within the country, including granting access to IAEA inspectors.
The G7 further said; “We condemn calls in Iran for the arrest and execution of IAEA director-general Grossi. We reiterate our support for the ceasefire between Israel and Iran announced by U.S. President (Donald) Trump, and urge all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilise the region”.
The G7 commended regional efforts to ease tensions, saying; “We appreciate Qatar’s important role in facilitating the ceasefire and express our full solidarity to Qatar and Iraq following the recent strikes by Iran and its proxies and partners against their territory. We welcome all efforts in the region towards stabilisation and de-escalation,” it said.
Highlighting the importance of international nuclear agreements, the G7 said; “We underscore the centrality of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, and it is essential for Iran to remain a party to and fully implement its NPT obligations under the Treaty”.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace in the region, the G7 said; “In this context, we reaffirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel.”
