Kallas seeks to ease rift as Rubio skips G7, pushes allies on Hormuz crisis

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas moved to reassure partners about Western unity after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the first day of G7 foreign ministers’ talks in Vaux-de-Cernay, France. Speaking to reporters, Kallas downplayed concerns over coordination, saying Rubio’s absence also created space for Europeans and other allies to “stay on message” as they aligned positions on Iran, Ukraine and wider regional security. Her remarks came as Rubio, heading into a looming G7 showdown, urged allies to “step up” on the Strait of Hormuz, insisting he was “not there to make them happy” while pressing for greater burden-sharing on maritime and energy security. Watch for more