US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Paris for a G7 meeting, clarified the White House’s strategy toward Iran and urged European allies to help reopen the Strait of Ormuz.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Paris on March 27, 2026, for a G7 meeting. During the trip, he was asked to outline the White House’s strategy regarding Iran. Rubio also called on European allies to assist in reopening the Strait of Ormuz, blocked amid the Middle East conflict.
The US relies on Europeans to unblock this key shipping route, while Europeans depend on American aid for Ukraine. This request follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which jolted Europe out of its post-Cold War disarmament, and amid Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the war involving Israel and the US against Iran.
Despite US pressure for greater involvement, Europe remains cautious about fully aligning. Rubio represents an America intent on preserving the transatlantic alliance, but on terms set by Trump.
