G7 Foreign Ministers Reach Surprising Consensus on Iran Conflict Near Paris

G7 foreign ministers reached a surprising joint declaration on the Iran war at their meeting near Paris on March 27, 2026, calling for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio predicted the military operation could be completed in "weeks, not months" without the need for ground troops. The meeting, hosted by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot at the Cistercian abbey of Vaux-de-Cernay southwest of Paris, brought together the foreign ministers of the United States, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and Canada. Rubio, who arrived only during the night before the second and final day of talks, laid out US war aims in stark terms. „When we're done with them, they'll be weaker than ever” — Marco Rubio via ORF The stated objectives include the destruction of Iran's air force, navy, missile and drone production capacity, and ultimately its ability to develop a nuclear weapon. The joint declaration, described by multiple outlets as unexpected given prior US criticism of European allies, also stressed the necessity of safe and toll-free freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio warns Iran's toll plan is "illegal and unacceptable" Rubio issued a direct warning against Iranian plans to impose a toll system on shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling the proposal illegal. „That is illegal and unacceptable. The international community must prevent that.” — Marco Rubio via Stern He added that the United States would play its part in securing the waterway without necessarily taking the lead, pointing to an initiative by Great Britain. The previous day, chiefs of staff from more than 30 states had met to discuss building a coalition to secure shipping through the strait. Rubio said the effort should extend beyond the G7, noting that countries across Asia and around the world have a direct interest in the outcome. He also did not rule out diverting weapons originally intended for Ukraine to the Iran conflict if American needs required it. „If we need something for America, then America comes first” — Marco Rubio via Stern Rubio simultaneously reiterated that Washington was not requesting military assistance from its allies in the active phase of the conflict. „We are not asking anyone for help. We're doing the job.” — Marco Rubio via ORF

The G7 format traces its origins to a 1975 summit at the Château de Rambouillet, approximately ten kilometers from Vaux-de-Cernay, where six major Western economies convened in response to the oil crisis of that era. Canada joined the group a year later, bringing the total to seven. The current Iran war began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, which killed then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the initial strikes. Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, was appointed Supreme Leader on March 9, 2026. The conflict has had significant effects on the global economy, particularly in Europe, and has complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the war in Ukraine.

German minister sees no rift, hints at Pakistan talks German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the atmosphere at the talks as constructive and said there was no disagreement between the G7 partners on the Iran situation. „That was a truly serious, a good conversation. There was and there is no requirement from the United States of America, especially to us, to make a military contribution before the end of the fighting.” — Johann Wadephul via Der Tagesspiegel Wadephul, who serves in the cabinet of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also pushed back against the impression of a transatlantic rift, noting that Germany had signaled willingness to contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end. He disclosed that preparations were underway for direct talks between US and Iranian representatives, which he said would likely take place in Pakistan in the near future. Wadephul warned separately that support for Ukraine risked being eroded by the Iran war, given that Iran and Russia are cooperating closely. „Since Iran and Russia are working together to the closest possible extent, we must stand together even more closely.” — Johann Wadephul via N-tv He also noted that the economic effects of the dual conflicts in Ukraine and Iran were being felt significantly across Europe.

Merz doubts US strategy can achieve regime change Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism about whether the United States has a coherent strategy for the Iran conflict, particularly regarding the question of regime change. Speaking at an event organized by the Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung, Merz said he did not believe that goal was achievable. „I have great doubts whether there is a strategy and whether this strategy will then actually be successfully carried out. In that respect, it could also take a little longer. It will probably not get better.” — Friedrich Merz via Stern Rubio, for his part, left open the question of whether ground troops might ultimately be deployed, saying the United States would reserve flexibility to give President Donald Trump maximum options. The question of ground troops is considered politically sensitive in the United States given the long and costly military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. On the diplomatic track, Rubio confirmed there had been an exchange of messages with the Iranian leadership and that Tehran had shown some willingness to discuss certain matters, though no date for talks had been set. „That can happen at any time. Until then, the military operation will continue.” — Marco Rubio via ORF Barrot announced that a follow-up meeting of G7 foreign ministers with counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council was being planned, while Rubio agreed to brief the foreign affairs council of the European Union.