Deep divisions surfaced among G7 foreign ministers Friday as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with allies to promote the U.S. strategy in the ongoing Iran war, following repeated criticism from President Donald Trump.
Trump has accused NATO and other allies of ignoring U.S. requests to help counter Tehran’s retaliatory measures, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil shipments.
Four weeks into the conflict launched by the U.S. and Israel, allies remain skeptical about America’s offensive actions, while voicing support for defensive measures. French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin emphasized that France’s role is strictly defensive, urging a diplomatic solution. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also stressed the importance of diplomacy, acknowledging differences with the U.S. approach. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul signaled willingness to support post-hostility security in the Strait of Hormuz and sought a common basis with allies.
Trump’s repeated criticisms, including claims that NATO failed to protect the U.S., have made Rubio’s task of rallying support more challenging. Rubio noted that European allies are still sensitive over previous U.S. actions, such as Trump’s demands regarding Greenland and ongoing support for Ukraine. Russia’s war in Ukraine also featured prominently at the G7, with ministers stressing that commitments to Ukraine’s defense should not be undermined by the Middle East crisis.
Despite tensions, Rubio emphasized that his priority is the American public, asserting that global allies should recognize U.S. leadership in confronting threats. France, hosting the G7 near Versailles, has expressed skepticism about the war, with its defense chief Gen. Fabien Mandon criticizing the U.S. for acting unilaterally in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, military talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, involving 35 countries, continue under French coordination. Rubio stressed that nations concerned with international law must take action to address Iran’s blockade, underscoring the U.S. focus on both regional security and global stability.
The G7 meeting highlighted lingering fractures among allies and underscored the difficulty of securing unified support for the U.S. strategy in the Iran conflict.