Rubio clashed with his G7 counterparts over the wars in Ukraine and Iran
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of the G7 countries exchanged sharp remarks during a discussion on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The discussion focused on Russia’s war against Ukraine and the current situation regarding conflicts in the Middle East.
This was reported by Bloomberg.
The dispute centered on European countries’ reluctance to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to defend the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, Europe generally does not support the U.S. in its operations against Iran.
"The United States is constantly being asked for help in wars," Rubio said, referring to Ukraine.
“But when the U.S. itself needed help, it didn’t get positive responses,” he added.
European governments state that they are ready to join in the defense of the Strait of Hormuz only if hostilities cease.
In addition, U.S. bases in Europe played a key role in military operations, while some European bases provided logistical support.
"I have to say, this is annoying," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Deutschlandfunk radio ahead of a planned meeting with Rubio.
Germany has not received a clear request from the U.S. side regarding assistance with the Strait of Hormuz, he added.
“At this time, the legal requirements for us regarding such an operation have not been met. And there is currently no specific request for us to take action,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavre stated that planning for an operation to protect the Strait of Hormuz is in full swing.
"This will take place after the bombings end. For defensive purposes only. We are preparing such a mission with all willing partners. But we have made it very clear that this war is not our war, and we do not want to get involved in it," he told Bloomberg TV.
As noted in the report, Ukraine remains Europe’s main concern, and its leaders are attempting to isolate Russia by linking these two wars.
EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas stated on Thursday that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence to locate and kill Americans.
And British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noted that Iran had previously provided Russia with drones for the war against Ukraine.
“But we have also seen the support Russia is providing to Iran in the conflict in the Middle East,” she said.
In contrast, Rubio said that “Ukraine is not America’s war, and yet we have contributed more to this struggle than any other country in the world.”
"So this will be something the president will have to take into account in the future," he noted.
As a reminder, Rubio arrived at the G7 summit in France to discuss the war in Ukraine.
As a reminder, Marco Rubio announced progress in U.S. negotiations with Iran.
Rubio will also participate in the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France.
