PARIS: European powers said they will confront U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday over Russia’s alleged support for Iran in the Middle East war, during a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France.
Western officials accuse Moscow of providing satellite imagery and helping Tehran upgrade drones used against U.S. forces, echoing Iran’s assistance to Russia in Ukraine. British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper warned of “shared capabilities” between the two countries, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia was “helping Iran with intelligence to target Americans.”
Rubio, attending the second day of the summit, appeared to downplay the accusations before leaving Washington, saying Russia was focused on its war in Ukraine. He told reporters he was “not there to make them happy,” stressing his priority was U.S. interests.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied the claims in a French TV interview, acknowledging military equipment supplies but rejecting accusations of intelligence-sharing.
The G7 ministers are also discussing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global energy flows and driven up prices. France has organized a video call with 35 militaries worldwide to explore reopening the strait once the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran subsides.
European diplomats said they hope to push Washington toward a tougher stance on Moscow while also seeking clarity on U.S. and Israeli war aims. Cooper called for a “swift resolution” to restore regional stability, warning that Iran was “holding the global economy hostage” by restricting vital shipping routes.
