The Group of Seven nations have expressed support for Israel and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarm in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel's military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

"We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself," G7 leaders said in a statement issued late on Monday.

"We reiterate our support for the security of Israel.

"Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror."

The G7 leaders went on to say it was "clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon".

Israel attacked Iran on Friday in what it called a preemptive strike to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

Since then the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

"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," the G7 statement said, adding the nations were also ready to coordinate on safeguarding stability in energy markets. (Reuters)