Rubio, G7 diplomats duel over wars in Iran and Ukraine
The US secretary of state chided allies for rebuffing Trump’s demand for military help in the Gulf
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Group of Seven counterparts traded barbs over the wars in Iran and Ukraine, casting doubt on Europe bowing to Donald Trump’s demand for military help in the Gulf.
“The United States is constantly being asked to help in a war,” Rubio said referring to Ukraine, before taking off for the Friday conclusion of a G7 gathering outside Paris. “But when the US had a need, he didn’t get positive responses,” he added.
The Europeans have rebuffed Trump’s bid for their navies to take part in opening the Strait of Hormuz, saying they would help once the missiles have stopped flying. All the while, US bases in Europe have been critical to the war effort and some European bases have provided logistical support.
“It is irritating, I have to say,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told Deutschlandfunk radio before a scheduled meeting with Rubio. Germany has not received a clear ask from the US side. “At this point, the legal requirements for us for such an operation aren’t met. And there is no specific request for us to take action at this time.”
Nevertheless, French foreign ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said planning is under way. “It would take place after the end of the bombing first,” he said. “To be only in a defensive situation. We are preparing such a mission with all the willing partners. But we have made very clear that this war is not our war and we don’t want to be entangled in it.”
The G7 is a bloc consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The EU is also represented within the G7.