At a Glance

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio told G7 foreign ministers the US will keep up heavy economic pressure on Iran.

• Qatar's prime minister made an unscheduled stop in Paris after meeting Trump.

• Rubio also called the first day of Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi productive.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told G7 foreign ministers in Paris on Tuesday that Washington sees sanctions as a better path than resuming the war or accepting unacceptable Iranian demands, according to four G7 diplomats.

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Rubio on Iran, per a diplomat: "Rubio said that they will continue with... (imposing) devastating economic operating costs on Iran." — One of four G7 diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity.

• Rubio on Europe's Role in Ukraine Talks: "What is really important is that the Europeans are at the negotiating table." — Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State.

• Focus Area: The US strategy of economic pressure on Iran, and the push to bring Europeans into the Ukraine peace talks.

Diplomats said Rubio used strong language about Iran's leadership, with two saying he called them "lunatics."

He argued that the sanctions policy is working by limiting Tehran's ability to fund its regional activities and proxies.

His comments came a day after Trump said he would hold off on new strikes for now after appeals from regional countries, while keeping a naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, a key intermediary with Iran, met Trump and then joined European and Saudi ministers in Paris.

Two European diplomats said he expressed cautious optimism that diplomacy can still avert escalation.

One diplomat said Rubio, Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent back sustained economic pressure, while Vice President JD Vance, who blamed the midterm losses on the war, prefers a deal.

Trump currently believes a tenable deal is not possible, the diplomat said. The White House did not immediately comment.

On Ukraine, Rubio said the Abu Dhabi talks appeared very productive, but that much work remains and nothing will be resolved within 24 hours.

He said the goal is to expand the trilateral format so Europeans are directly represented, noting that five EU countries are in Abu Dhabi. The talks resume Wednesday, November 11.

FYI

The G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, with the European Union also represented at its meetings.

Rubio said the US and Europe share the aim of ending the war in Ukraine and ensuring it never recurs, while acknowledging European worries about being left out of any deal with Russia.

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Trilateral Talks Open in Abu Dhabi as G7 Meets in Paris on Ukraine