G7 leaders back Israel, call Iran as principal source of terror in region

The statement said: "We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our 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," the statement said.

"We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians," the statement said.

Slamming Iran, the G7 said: "Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."

The statement said: "We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza."

Indian PM Narendra Modi is also attending the Summit.

Iran's Top Military Commander Eliminated

The Israeli military on Tuesday claimed it eliminated Iran's top military commander Ali Shadmani, during an overnight strike.

The IDF describes him as the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei closest aide.

In an X post, IDF wrote: "For the second time in 5 days— the IDF has eliminated Iran’s War-Time Chief of Staff, the regime’s top military commander."

"Ali Shadmani, Iran’s senior-most military official and Khamenei’s closest military advisor, was killed in an IAF strike in central Tehran, following precise intelligence," the post further said.

According to the military, the strike was a joint operation by the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Air Force, based on precise intelligence and a 'sudden opportunity', reported YNetNews.

Fighter jets reportedly struck a manned command center in the heart of the Iranian capital, eliminating Shadmani, the news portal reported.

Shadmani was serving as the Iran’s Armed Forces Emergency Headquarters and oversaw both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the country’s active army.

He was appointed to lead the country's armed forces after his predecessor Alam Ali Rashid was killed in Israeli strikes.

Israel-Iran Conflict Prevails

Iran launched another barrage of ballistic missiles towards the densely populated regions of Israel, prompting the sounding of sirens in the affected areas, media reports said.

Iran announced that it has responded to the Israeli onslaught across the Gulf nations, in which Tehran has faced the majority of the blows.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that killing Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will end the conflict.