The first formal meeting of the Group of Seven major industrialised nations since the United States, a G7 member, and Israel attacked Iran, began on Thursday outside of Paris, even though the key U.S. diplomat is not due until Friday.

Before the arrival of U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio, the other G7 foreign ministers meeting on Thursday were seeking to develop a joint line with the U.S. on how to end the war in Iran.

“However difficult it may be, given the situation, we will, and we must engage in intensive discussions over the coming days to work out joint solutions,” Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, said at the beginning of the talks in Vaux-de-Cernay.

He said it was “good, important, and right” that Mr Rubio was attending the summit, adding that he was confident “that we can define a common position”.

“Of course, the aim is to end this conflict as quickly as possible, but also to bring it to a lasting conclusion,” the German minister said.

In exchanges on Iran, the protection of civilian infrastructure and the reopening of maritime trade routes will also be on the agenda, according to French officials.

The foreign ministers also want to discuss how to increase pressure on Moscow after U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil deliveries because Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

Apart from the U.S., Germany, and France, the G7 consists of the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, and Canada.

(dpa/NAN)