G7 Eyes Coalition Against Iran Over Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that European nations are ready to help form a coalition against Iranian attempts to control the strategic Strait of Hormuz following a month-long conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes.

Speaking after talks with top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) in France, Rubio said the ongoing war would likely last only a few more weeks. He expressed concern that Iran could establish a permanent “tolling system” for vessels passing through the vital waterway, which normally handles one-fifth of global oil shipments.

“Not only is this illegal, it’s unacceptable, it’s dangerous to the world, and it’s important that the world have a plan to confront it,” Rubio said. He added that he found broad support for opposing any Iranian tolling, with Britain taking a leading role.

Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz was open to international shipping, but operations have since ground to a halt, causing a spike in global energy prices. Rubio emphasized that preparations were underway to restore safe and toll-free navigation once hostilities end.

The G7’s final communique called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and infrastructure. “There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians in situations of armed conflict as well as attacks on diplomatic facilities,” it said.

While US President Donald Trump had threatened strikes on Iranian energy facilities, he later delayed action to allow Tehran more time for negotiations. Rubio noted that while Iran had not formally responded to a US plan to end the war, there had been some indications of willingness to discuss certain issues.

European leaders highlighted the broader regional implications of the conflict. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the importance of unity as the world contends with both the Middle East crisis and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper called for a swift resolution to restore regional stability, warning that Iran cannot be allowed to hold the global economy hostage.

With Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha present, G7 ministers emphasized that European support for Kyiv must remain strong. Wadephul warned that diverting attention from Ukraine could “play into Putin’s hands.” Rubio added that Western weapons could be redirected to focus on the US-Iran conflict if needed, but US priorities would come first.

The G7, originally formed in 1975, includes Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, and continues to play a central role in shaping coordinated international responses to global crises.