U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has joined a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France for discussions where the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran will be 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 militarily into the conflict. The meeting will also cover the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As he headed to France, Rubio stated it was in the interest of the G7 to step up and assist with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded, leading to soaring fuel prices.
Before entering the meeting, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper remarked to the press: We need to see a swift resolution to this conflict that restores the regional stability, which needs to include the Strait of Hormuz.
About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the strait, and the war has raised concerns over price hikes and potential shortages.
G7 ministers have previously expressed readiness to take necessary measures to support global energy supplies.
During a prior meeting, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated the group needs to formulate a common position with the U.S. to facilitate a swift resolution of the war.
He added that talks with Rubio will be essential, aligning France and Britain's views on the matter.
Hours before heading to France, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his criticism of NATO, stating that all G7 nations, except Japan, are members of the military alliance, which he claimed has done absolutely nothing to help with the ongoing situation.
