As the conflict between Iran and Israel continues, the leaders of the G7, currently meeting in Canada, have released a statement urging a de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.

The current conflict was sparked by Israel launching a surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure on 12 June. Israel is said to have smuggled drones into the country. Many facilities were targeted, and several top generals and scientists were killed in the initial strike.

READ: Israel strikes Iran. What happens next?

The IDF said 9 senior scientists and experts, responsible for “advancing the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons program”, were killed in the initial attacks. Iran has denied that it has any plans to build a nuclear weapon.

Iran retaliated, which led to counterattacks by Israel. In Iran, hundreds of people have been killed since hostilities began. In Israel, the death toll is at around 24.

On Monday, Israel attacked an Iranian state TV station, leaving two dead.

In their joint statement, the G7 leaders reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

“In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians.”

The G7 also made it clear that, in their view, Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror.

“We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

They have called for an urgent resolution to the Iranian crisis and a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump left the G7 meeting early, reportedly to help secure a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran.

Trump also warned Iranians to evacuate Tehran. On Tuesday, roads leaving Tehran were gridlocked as millions of residents fled.

Later, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to slam reports that he left the G7 early to work on a ceasefire.

“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 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.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa is also attending part of the G7 summit, where he will be attending the Summit Outreach Session.

On Friday, the South African government expressed deep concern over Israel’s military strikes on Iran.

In a strongly worded statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the strikes were unlawful, rejecting Israel’s justification of the attacks as an act of pre-emptive self-defence.

“Article 51 of the UN Charter permits self-defence only in response to an armed attack. Anticipatory self-defence is not recognised under international law. Israel’s actions, based on presumed threats, are unlawful.”

The Government also extended its condolences to the Iranian government and the families of those killed in the strikes, while calling for calm and diplomatic engagement.

“South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and calls for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.”

DIRCO stressed the importance of establishing a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East.