The presidential office stated, "President Trump returned urgently due to the situation in the Middle East… The Korea-U.S. summit has been canceled."

The summit between President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly been canceled due to President Trump's sudden return.

On the 16th (local time), the presidential office officially announced, "The Korea-U.S. summit has become difficult" from the site of the G7 summit being held in Canada.

National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak explained to reporters at the G7 summit venue in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the reason for the cancellation of the summit.

Director Wi stated, "President Trump had to return suddenly," adding, "It seems to be related to the military conflict issue between Israel and Iran." He also mentioned, "We received a contact from the U.S. side asking for our understanding regarding this situation."

"President Trump had to return suddenly."

"It seems to be related to the military conflict issue between Israel and Iran."

"We received a contact from the U.S. side asking for our understanding regarding this situation."

Due to the escalating situation in the Middle East, President Trump is expected to convene the National Security Council (NSC).

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt confirmed President Trump’s early return decision via social media platform X. Levitt stated, "Due to the events happening in the Middle East, President Trump will leave after the dinner with leaders this evening."

Initially, President Trump was scheduled to attend the G7 summit until the 17th, but it seems he returned a day earlier due to significant issues such as the war between Iran and Israel.

According to White House sources, President Trump is expected to convene the National Security Council (NSC) in the Situation Room immediately upon his return to Washington.

Meanwhile, Director Wi Sung-lak indicated that the Korea-Japan summit has been set for the afternoon of the 18th.

Although the Korea-U.S. summit, which was scheduled as part of the multilateral diplomatic agenda at the G7 summit, has been canceled, the meeting between the two leaders of Korea and Japan is expected to proceed as planned.

Image source: President Lee Jae-myung and his wife Kim Hye-kyung are departing through Seongnam Seoul Airport in Gyeonggi Province on the afternoon of the 16th to attend the G7 summit in Canada / News1, material photo for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank