G7 leaders weigh ship escorts in the Gulf and coordinate with regional partners as Middle East tensions threaten energy markets and trade routes.

Gotta wonder why this needs to be done if this is true:

Anyway … summary:

• G7 leaders reaffirm commitment to maintaining sanctions against Russia.

• Leaders discussed economic fallout from the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran.

• The group agreed to strengthen coordination with Gulf countries on economic stability.

• G7 nations emphasised the need to avoid export restrictions that could worsen supply disruptions.

• A working group will examine the option of escorting commercial ships through the Gulf.

• Measures aim to restore freedom of navigation and protect energy supply routes.

Group of Seven leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining sanctions on Russia while stepping up coordination to manage the economic fallout from the escalating Middle East conflict.

In a statement released following a call convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, leaders from the United States, Canada, Japan, Britain, Germany, France and Italy discussed the impact of the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran, particularly the surge in global energy prices and risks to critical shipping routes in the Gulf.

The G7 said it remained firmly committed to continuing sanctions against Russia, signalling that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East would not alter the group’s stance on the war in Ukraine.

At the same time, leaders agreed to strengthen coordination with Gulf countries to address the wider economic consequences of the regional conflict. Officials warned that disruptions to shipping lanes, energy markets and trade flows could ripple across the global economy if tensions escalate further.

One key focus of the discussion was the safety of maritime traffic through the Gulf, where heightened military activity has raised concerns about the security of commercial shipping. The G7 said it would work together to prepare measures aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the region.

As part of those efforts, a dedicated working group has been established to examine the possibility of escorting commercial vessels through the Gulf if security conditions allow. The initiative would involve cooperation with shipping companies, transport operators and insurers to ensure vessels can continue operating safely in the area.

Such escorts could become necessary if the security environment deteriorates further or if attacks on maritime infrastructure threaten the flow of energy supplies through key chokepoints.

The discussions reflect growing concern among major economies that disruptions in the Gulf could intensify volatility in global energy markets. Oil prices have already risen amid fears that conflict in the region could threaten supply routes or infrastructure critical to global crude shipments.

The G7 also stressed the importance of avoiding export restrictions that could further strain global supply chains and amplify price pressures.

The statement underscores the group’s attempt to balance security concerns in the Middle East with efforts to limit economic fallout, particularly through maintaining stable energy supplies and open trade flows.