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 said 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 restore stability in the region, including securing the Strait of Hormuz.
About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the strait. Its closure has seen the price of oil skyrocket and raised energy price concerns.
Hours before Rubio headed to France, US President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for not adequately addressing the situation. Several key NATO members have not committed warships to escort vessels through the strait, preferring to focus on resolving the conflict as a way to reopen the waterway.
G7 ministers have expressed readiness to take necessary measures to support the global energy supply. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for developing a common position with the US to bring the war to a swift end.
Following the meeting, Rubio reaffirmed Trump's commitment to reaching a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also held discussions with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who noted that America's role in advancing peace efforts is critical.
The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, highlighted that the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are interlinked and that US pressure on Russia is essential to stop the Iran war. UK Defence Secretary John Healey indicated that Iran is demonstrating its capacity to conduct operations across the Middle East, paralleling tactics seen in Ukraine.


















