G7 foreign ministers meet in Paris on Ukraine peace and Iran
G7 foreign ministers began two days of talks in Paris on Monday, with Russia's war in Ukraine and possible new US strikes on Iran on the agenda. European governments want a bigger say in US-led peace efforts.
- G7 foreign ministers meet in Paris for two days from Monday.
- Agenda covers Ukraine peace efforts and the prospect of further US strikes on Iran.
- US-mediated talks with Moscow and Kyiv are due in Abu Dhabi from Tuesday.
Foreign ministers of the G7 are meeting in Paris for two days of talks, starting Monday. The group brings together Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. The discussions are expected to focus on Russia's war in Ukraine and on the possibility of further US strikes on Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due to attend both days, whereas he came for only one day at the last G7 meeting in March. France 24 reported that this is his first trip abroad since the US midterm elections. Rubio said he was not worried about widespread protests in France, adding that US officials on the ground had advised it was safe to attend.
On Ukraine, European governments are worried that Washington may push Kyiv towards a settlement that favours Russia. US-mediated talks with Moscow and Kyiv are scheduled in Abu Dhabi for Tuesday and Wednesday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: "Europeans will be represented and France will be in Abu Dhabi to participate in these talks." He also said he did not know the details of US plans, but stressed that no deal affecting European security architecture could be done without Europeans.
President Donald Trump said a "very big" deal was in the making and that it would involve all of Europe. He also said: "I think we're gonna have it done, and I think it's gonna happen and they're gonna end up with a little bit different shape Ukraine." DW reported that Rubio suggested recent discussions had made progress on security guarantees for Ukraine and the wider European region.
On Iran, Trump has not ruled out new strikes, including at a suspected nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain. Tehran denies it is a nuclear facility. Washington has kept the option open since Republicans lost the midterm elections, and European governments are seeking a diplomatic resolution instead. Trump said Iranian officials were keen to reach an agreement, and DW reported that global attention is on restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting was originally due to be held in Marseille but was moved to Paris at the last minute, with only scheduling reasons given. France's finance ministry will also host a donor conference on Monday to raise money to repair the dome protecting the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. About 500 million euros is needed and just over half has been raised, with a spring 2027 target for the rest.
The Paris gathering is among the final major diplomatic events of France's G7 presidency. The United States takes over the rotating presidency in 2027.
Background
khabr.pk reported on 9 November that Trump said new strikes on Iran were highly unlikely if talks keep progressing, though force could still be used. On 7 November we reported limited US strikes on an Iranian air defence system while Iran reviewed proposals from mediator Qatar.
Why it matters
The US-Iran conflict is closely followed in Pakistan and affects regional security and energy prices. Petrol was Rs346 per litre and high-speed diesel Rs378 per litre on 7 November, according to figures khabr.pk has recorded. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is a focus of the talks.
