The G7 summit concludes with nations reiterating: the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be permanently restored. Rubio says U.S. military operations in Iran could end within "two weeks."
Following the G7 meeting held in France on Friday, March 27, ministers issued a final joint statement addressing the issue of Iran, expressing particular concern over the near-paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement reaffirmed that "the free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be permanently restored." U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated that U.S. military operations in Iran could conclude within "two weeks."
According to AFP, Rubio engaged in a "marathon-style" discussion with foreign ministers from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, and Japan. Countries urged Rubio to clarify the U.S. strategy toward Iran, after some diplomatic circles described it as "completely incomprehensible." Rubio said: "When we resolve the Iranian issue, they will be weaker in the next two weeks than at any time recently." He believes the U.S. can achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops. However, he also added that the U.S. is not ruling out using weapons originally planned for Ukraine in the Middle Eastern conflict. According to reports by The Wall Street Journal and Axios, the U.S. may deploy at least 10,000 additional troops to the region.
In addition, Rubio noted during the G7 meeting that U.S. allies showed "high alignment" in their determination to prevent Iran from imposing a "toll system" threat on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized: "This is not only illegal, but unacceptable—it's dangerous for the world. What matters is that the world must have a plan to stop it."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who chaired the two-day meeting, stated: "It is absolutely impossible to live in a world where international waters are blocked." The foreign ministers also called in their statement for an "immediate halt to attacks on civilians and infrastructure in the Middle East." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock previously stressed: "Given the close cooperation between Iran and Russia, we must also stand together more firmly."
Although U.S. President Trump has repeatedly claimed ongoing talks with Tehran, specific details remain unclear. Rubio said Iran had sent "signals" indicating interest in resolving the Middle East conflict through diplomacy, but has not yet responded to the U.S. peace proposal.
On Friday, Israel continued its military operations, striking two Iranian nuclear facilities, vowing not to allow Tehran to advance its nuclear weapons program. The Ardakan uranium enrichment facility in Yazd Province was attacked, but according to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, no radioactive material leaked. The Khondab heavy water facility (formerly the Arak reactor), located two hours' drive from Tehran, also suffered a two-phase strike attributed to "U.S. and Israeli hostile forces." In addition, two major steel plants in Isfahan and Khuzestan provinces were hit. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed retaliation, targeting industrial facilities.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860868259890188/
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