Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to France this week for a meeting of Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers, where the ongoing conflict with Iran is expected to take center stage.
The State Department confirmed Tuesday that Rubio will attend talks near Versailles on Friday, describing the trip as an effort to “advance key U.S. interests” and coordinate with allies on major global security challenges. In addition to Iran, discussions will include the Russia-Ukraine war and broader threats to international stability.
The visit comes at a moment of heightened tension in the Middle East. The U.S.-backed military campaign against Iran has contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices, driven in part by the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global energy supply.
President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the United States has engaged in discussions with Iran about a potential resolution, though Iranian officials have denied those claims. Meanwhile, multiple countries are exploring diplomatic pathways to de-escalate the conflict.
Rubio’s meetings will also test the administration’s ability to rally allied support. Most G7 nations — including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — have so far taken a cautious stance on the U.S.-Israeli operation and have declined direct involvement.
That reluctance has drawn criticism from Trump, who has publicly pressed allies to take a more active role, particularly in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In recent days, however, some G7 countries have signaled a willingness to support actions aimed at restoring safe passage through the vital waterway.
Rubio’s trip is expected to focus on bridging those divisions and reinforcing U.S. leadership as the administration navigates both military and diplomatic tracks in the escalating Iran crisis.
