The Group of Seven, G7, industrialized nations has issued a strong joint statement declaring that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, stressing the need for Tehran to resume full cooperation with international nuclear regulators and return to the negotiating table.
The communique, released at The Hague on Wednesday, July 2, was signed by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the High Representative of the European Union.
It outlines grave concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader implications for Middle East security.
“We reaffirm that the Islamic Republic of Iran can never have nuclear weapons,” the G7 statement declared unequivocally. “We urge Iran to refrain from reconstituting its unjustified enrichment activities.”
The group called on Iran to resume negotiations that would lead to a “comprehensive, verifiable, and durable agreement” focused on limiting its nuclear program.
The message underscores growing Western anxiety about the potential reactivation of uranium enrichment and other controversial nuclear-related operations in Iran, which had been curbed under the now-defunct 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
To ensure transparency, the G7 demanded that Iran urgently cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, as required under its nuclear safeguards obligations.
This includes granting full access to IAEA inspectors and providing verifiable information about all nuclear materials on its soil.
The ministers also condemned threats made within Iran against IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, particularly recent calls for his arrest and execution, calling them “unacceptable.”
On the broader regional front, the G7 welcomed the recently brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, credited to U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic intervention.
READ ALSO: Iranian cleric issues death threat to Trump
“We reiterate our support for the ceasefire announced by U.S. President Trump, and urge all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region,” the statement noted.
Qatar was commended for its mediating role in facilitating the ceasefire, and solidarity was expressed with both Qatar and Iraq, which have been targets of recent Iranian-backed strikes.
The G7 emphasized the importance of restoring calm in a region rattled by recurring violence and proxy conflicts. “We welcome all efforts in the region towards stabilization and de-escalation,” the foreign ministers stated.
The group also highlighted the foundational role of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in maintaining global nuclear stability. They called on Iran to remain a party to the treaty and adhere to all its obligations.
“In this context, we reaffirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” the G7 said.
The statement concludes with a renewed commitment to peace and diplomacy as essential tools to avert nuclear escalation and ensure stability across the Middle East.
NAN
