U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in France early Friday morning to join the foreign ministers of the G7 and representatives from allied countries already gathered for the second day of a high-level meeting overshadowed by tensions over Iran, Ukraine, and global security.
Rubio is expected to participate in official sessions of the G7 Foreign Ministerial in Paris. This will be his first face-to-face engagement with key allies since President Donald Trump raised Washington’s demands on Iran.
Strait of Hormuz at the Center of Disputes
Before departing for Paris on Thursday, Rubio indicated that an urgent message to allies would focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route almost completely blocked by Iran.
“It is in their interest to help,” Rubio told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, emphasizing that U.S. partners rely on energy flows through the strait more than the United States itself.
He declined to specify what kind of assistance Washington might request, noting that such decisions fall to Defense officials, but framed the issue as one requiring collective action.
“This is not help for us,” Rubio said. “The world has a major stake in this, so they need to engage and address the issue.”
The disruption has shaken global energy markets, as roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the strait during peacetime.
Rubio stated that indirect talks with Tehran continue through intermediaries and described “some concrete progress,” while warning that the situation remains unstable.
“There are intermediary countries passing messages,” he said. “It’s a process that continues.”
His remarks align with earlier statements from Trump that talks with Iran have been “very substantive,” while Washington suspended strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure until April 6 to allow space for diplomacy.
Allies Seek Coordination
This will be the first in-person G7 foreign ministerial since Trump publicly urged allies to adopt tougher stances on Iran, a push that has highlighted divisions within the group.
While Washington prioritizes Iran and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, some G7 countries remain focused on the war in Ukraine and are cautious about deeper involvement in the Middle East crisis.
Rubio also highlighted early U.S. dissatisfaction over burden-sharing, citing American support for Kyiv.
“The war in Ukraine is not America’s, yet we have contributed more than any other country,” he said, adding that U.S. policy ultimately responds to domestic priorities.
“I work for the people of the United States,” Rubio emphasized.
A Challenging Diplomatic Test
Analysts say Rubio faces a delicate balancing act as he engages with counterparts dealing with the economic consequences of the Hormuz blockade while weighing their strategic priorities.
Paul Saunders, a former U.S. Undersecretary of State for Global Affairs under the Bush administration (2003–2005), told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) that the U.S. top diplomat must manage differing expectations.
“Secretary Rubio will need to navigate between U.S. interests and needs, President Trump’s expectations, the perspectives and priorities of other G7 members, and France’s objectives as host country. It will not be easy,” said Saunders, currently president of the Washington-based Center for National Interests.
He added that tensions among allies could complicate negotiations.
“Other G7 members are upset that an energy and economic crisis has been imposed without warning,” Saunders noted, pointing out that many remain focused on Ukraine and, in Japan’s case, China.
France, he added, also seeks to assert its independence and leadership role in Europe, “which may lead to some tense exchanges.”
According to Saunders, the key unresolved question is: “When and how will the conflict with Iran end?”
Rubio is expected to participate in Friday sessions addressing cross-sector threats, support for Ukraine, the situation in Iran, and broader issues of peace and security.
The discussions in Paris will test whether the G7 can unite or whether divisions over Iran and global security will persist amid mounting international pressure.
