G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Member States Should Lead with Their Unity to Avert Crisis

Editorial

16:24 JST, March 29, 2026

One month has passed since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Diplomatic maneuvering toward ceasefire talks is intensifying, but there is a significant gap between the positions of the United States and Iran. The outlook remains uncertain.

At a time when an energy crisis is becoming a reality, the Group of Seven countries held a meeting of foreign ministers in France. On the brink of a potential collapse of the international order, the fact that the G7 foreign ministers have remained united in their efforts to bring the situation under control is commendable at this moment.

It is highly likely that these attacks on Iran have violated international law. Some European countries are trying to distance themselves from the United States. However, if the G7’s cooperative framework that has continued for half a century were to collapse, then the world could return to an era in which rule by force runs rampant.

As the only G7 member state in Asia, Japan must play an even greater role in promoting cooperation between the United States and Europe.

In a joint statement on the situation in Iran that was compiled at the foreign ministers’ meeting, the ministers called for an “immediate cessation of attacks” against civilians and civilian infrastructure. They also affirmed the need to permanently restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed.

Two Indian-flagged tankers reportedly passed through the strait safely. However, Iran should not be allowed to selectively determine which countries are permitted to sail through the strait in the first place. The G7 countries should persuade Iran to ensure full freedom of navigation.

If there is a prolonged closure of the strait, which is a key choke point for the transport of crude oil, the negative impact on the global economy will be immeasurable.

Iran must realize that the act of holding energy hostage is deepening its isolation. Its attacks on energy facilities in other Middle Eastern nations are also unacceptable.

The energy crisis is also spreading to Asia. The Philippines has declared a state of emergency, calling for its people to conserve energy. In Thailand, gasoline supplies have reportedly run out in some areas.

If the Asian economy cools down, it will have repercussions for Japan. Also from its perspective as a member of Asia, Japan needs to work through the G7 to urge both the United States and Iran to ensure a stable energy supply.

At the foreign ministers’ meeting, the G7 countries also reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine, where Russia continues its aggression. The world’s attention is now focused on the Middle East, but unless the G7 countries support Ukraine, Russia will only benefit.

Japan intends to soon join a framework in which the North Atlantic Treaty Organization purchases U.S.-made weapons and supplies them to Ukraine. Japan should extend support as much as possible such as by providing air defense equipment.

 (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 29, 2026)