US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has joined a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France for talks in which the US-Israeli war with Iran is the main focus.
Rubio is expected to face pressure to de-escalate the conflict as concerns continue to grow over its impact on the world economy.
The other G7 countries – the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan – are wary of being drawn in militarily. The group is also discussing the war in Ukraine.
As he headed to France, Rubio stated it was in the interest of G7 nations to step up and help restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that Iran has effectively blockaded, causing fuel prices to soar.
I'm not there to make them happy, he told reporters. For all the countries who care about international law, they should be doing something about it.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the conflict that restores regional stability, noting the economic implications as about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the strait.
Hours before en route to France, President Trump criticized NATO allies for their lack of support in the situation. Several key NATO members, including the UK, have shown reluctance to commit warships to escorting vessels through the strait, arguing that concluding the war would be the quickest way to reopen the passage.
Ministers from the G7 reiterated their readiness to take necessary measures to support global energy supply, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul suggesting a unified position with the US could help end the war effectively.
Additionally, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha engaged Rubin on the sidelines, noting that the developments in the Middle East are linked to the war in Ukraine, exacerbated by collaboration between Iran and Russia.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas joined the talks, reinforcing the interconnection between the conflicts, suggesting that addressing the Iran war also means applying pressure on Russia.
