In brief
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending G7 foreign ministers' meetings focused on the conflict with Iran. He faces pressure to de-escalate tensions that are impacting global economic stability, especially in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping lane. Other G7 nations express concerns over military involvement as they also discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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.
As they went into the meeting, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the media: We need to see a swift resolution to this conflict that restores regional stability, including the Strait of Hormuz. About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the strait, and its closure has seen the price of oil skyrocket.
After a recent meeting, G7 ministers expressed their readiness to take necessary measures to support the global energy supply. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated the group should develop a 'common position' with the US to bring the war to a swift end.
During his discussions with other leaders, Rubio reaffirmed President Trump's commitment to securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. Furthermore, Ukraine's Foreign Minister noted that the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine are interlinked, suggesting a need for coordinated efforts in resolving both issues.
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