“Very little of our energy comes through the Strait of Hormuz. It’s the world that has a great interest in that, so they should step up and deal with it,” stated Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, as he seeks to rally support for the Iran war among G7 allies during a meeting in France.
The ongoing conflict has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. This situation has caused a surge in energy prices and disrupted the global supply of essential commodities, including fertilizers.
Rubio’s efforts come at a time when European countries have expressed a lack of interest in joining the war, complicating the U.S. administration’s strategy. The OECD has projected a global inflation increase to 4% due to the war’s economic ramifications, further stressing the urgency of the situation.
As the U.S. grapples with a significant decline in stock prices linked to the conflict, Rubio’s position appears precarious. Having survived 14 months in Trump’s cabinet with minimal criticism, he faces mounting pressure to secure international backing.
In the backdrop of these developments, a Democratic senator remarked, “He’s the least crazy,” reflecting the mixed sentiments surrounding Rubio’s leadership. Meanwhile, an unnamed staffer noted the lack of overwhelming demand on Rubio’s time, saying, “I had all sorts of people messaging me, like ‘Oh, you must be so busy,’ and I’m like, ‘Nope.’”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date of the G7 meeting, and the future of U.S. policy towards Iran remains unclear. As tensions escalate, the world watches closely to see how Rubio’s diplomatic efforts will unfold amidst the ongoing crisis.