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 the conflict that restores regional stability.
Hours before Rubio's departure to France, US President Donald Trump criticized NATO, highlighting allies' lack of assistance regarding the situation.
Several key NATO members, including the UK, have refrained from committing warships to assist passage through the Strait, advocating for a political resolution to the conflict instead.
Ministers reaffirmed their readiness to take necessary measures to support the global energy supply and discussed developing a joint strategy to bring the war to a quick conclusion.
As part of the ongoing dialogues, Rubio met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, emphasizing the critical role of the US in advancing peace efforts in both conflicts. The link between the Iran and Ukraine matters remains significant, as the dynamics of both conflicts grow ever more intertwined.
