New Delhi, June 17 -- G7 leaders have described Iran as "the principal source of regional instability and terror" as conflict rages in the Middle East. The conflict between Israel and Iran has been top of the agenda at the leaders' summit, being held in Canada.

In a statement agreed at the summit, leaders of the world's major economies, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said they "affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself".

The statement, agreed before Donald Trump left the conference early on Monday evening, also includes a call for a "ceasefire in Gaza".

"We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East," it said.

"In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend it...