Calgary/Washington, June 18: U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly departed the Group of Seven summit in Calgary late Monday, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East, as speculation swirled over a potential American military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The sudden exit cut short Trump’s participation in the two-day summit and cancelled a scheduled bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had just arrived at the venue. “Much was accomplished,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, “but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
Shortly before his departure, Trump posted on his social media platform: “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Teheran.”
According to U.S. officials and defense analysts, Trump is expected to convene a meeting of the National Security Council upon his return to Washington. The agenda is believed to focus on a potential joint operation with Israel targeting Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility using the U.S. Air Force’s Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 13,600-kg bunker-buster bomb capable of destroying deeply buried structures.
The speculation follows reports that Israel has requested American military support to neutralize Iran’s nuclear program, which it views as an existential threat. The Fordo site, heavily fortified beneath a mountain, is considered one of the most challenging targets in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the only aircraft capable of delivering the MOP. Israel does not possess B-2s or the munitions, making U.S. participation essential for such an operation.
Trump’s possible military move has triggered backlash from within his own political base. Prominent conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, appearing on a podcast with former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, criticized the plan as a betrayal of Trump’s “America First” policy. “This is not a war that serves U.S. interests,” Carlson said.
Responding to the criticism, Trump fired back on social media: “Someone please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that Iran can not have a nuclear weapon!”
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also voiced opposition, warning of a wider conflict. “Anyone slobbering for the U.S. to become fully involved in the Israel/Iran war is not America First/MAGA,” she said. “This one will quickly engulf the Middle East, BRICS, and NATO as countries are required to take a side.”
Iran has not commented publicly on the developments, though its officials have previously denied any intent to develop nuclear weapons.
The Fordo facility, near the city of Qom, has long been at the center of Western concerns. While international monitors say Tehran has increased uranium enrichment levels, Iranian authorities maintain the program is for peaceful energy purposes. Analysts warn that any strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure could trigger widespread regional instability, disrupt global oil supplies, and draw the U.S. deeper into a new Middle East conflict.
