VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with his Group of Seven foreign minister counterparts in France on Friday, following President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO countries regarding their involvement in the Iran conflict.
Rubio Faces Skepticism Over U.S. Strategy in Iran
Rubio will attempt to gain support from the G7 nations for the U.S. strategy concerning the Iran conflict, a strategy that has faced widespread objections. Upon arrival at the meeting, held at a 12th-century abbey in Vaux-de-Cernay outside of Paris, Rubio participated in a group photo with fellow foreign ministers, but no statements were made.
Trump’s comments on Thursday about NATO are expected to complicate discussions. Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy – all G7 nations except Japan – are members of the trans-Atlantic military alliance.
Rubio departed Washington for the G7 meeting shortly after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with NATO and Israel’s allies not providing sufficient support in the Iran war. “We are very disappointed with NATO because NATO has done absolutely nothing,” Trump stated.
Rubio is tasked with addressing concerns from allies who have faced criticism or threats from Trump and his administration. Europeans remain concerned about U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia, in addition to previous disputes such as Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland.
“Frankly, I think countries around the world, even those that are out there complaining about this a little bit, should actually be grateful that the United States has a president that’s willing to confront a threat like this,” Rubio said at the Cabinet meeting.
Trump Complains About Lack of Allied Support
Rubio stated he wasn’t aiming to please his counterparts, emphasizing his primary responsibility is to the people of the United States. “I get along with all of them on a personal level, and we work with those governments very carefully, but the people I’m interested in making happy are the people of the United States,” he said.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the need for a partnership, including diplomatic efforts, to prevent Iran from disrupting the global economy. “What we need is a partnership, including the diplomacy, including some of the discussions that we will have today because frankly, Iran cannot be able to just hold the global economy hostage,” Cooper said.
Trump has voiced frustration over the lack of support for his approach to Iran and has called on NATO and other allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s control has disrupted oil shipments and increased energy prices. “We’re there to protect NATO, to protect them from Russia. But they’re not there to protect us,” Trump said.
Prior to Trump’s remarks, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the increased defense spending by alliance members, noting a “shift in mindset” away from overreliance on U.S. military strength.
France Expresses Concerns
France, the host of the G7 meeting, has been skeptical of the war. Gen. Fabien Mandon, chief of the French defense staff, criticized the U.S. for initiating military operations without informing its allies. “They have just decided to intervene in the Near and Middle East without notifying us,” Mandon said. “This affects our security. This affects our interests.”
Despite these concerns, 35 countries participated in military talks hosted by Mandon regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities decrease.
Rubio asserted that countries prioritizing international law should address the threat posed by Iran to global shipping.
Similar concerns have been expressed by other allies regarding the U.S. commitment to Ukraine as the Iran war enters its fourth week. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the importance of avoiding further destabilization and maintaining support for Ukraine. “Our joint support for Ukraine … must not crumble now,” Wadephul said.
Wadephul expressed optimism about reaching a joint position on the Middle East, emphasizing the need to end the conflict and curtail the Iranian regime’s behavior.
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