30.06.2026 15:11
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul discussed preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara, developments in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and the Russia-Ukraine war during their meeting in Washington. The parties issued a joint message of determination to ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, who was visiting Washington DC. During the meeting held at the US Department of State building, they exchanged views on international security issues, particularly Iran, Ukraine, and NATO.
In a statement issued by the German Foreign Ministry after the meeting, emphasizing the relations between the US and Germany, it was said, "The partnership between Germany and the US remains important in combating crises that threaten our security on both sides of the Atlantic and jeopardize the stability of the global economy."
PREPARATIONS FOR THE NATO SUMMIT IN ANKARA DISCUSSED
According to the statement, US Secretary Rubio and German Minister Wadephul also discussed preparations for the NATO Summit to be held in the capital Ankara on July 7-8. It was noted that proposals for providing more support to Ukraine, particularly led by Germany, were addressed during the meeting between the two ministers. Additionally, the topic of adjusting the contributions made by members within NATO and the mechanism for burden-sharing were among the subjects discussed between Rubio and Wadephul.
SUPPORT FOR LASTING PEACE IN UKRAINE REITERATED
In the statement, where it was noted that Ukraine was one of the key topics in the meeting between the two ministers, Wadephul's words were included: "Europe will continue to stand by Ukraine in the war against Russia. I also discussed this issue with US Secretary of State Rubio ahead of the NATO Summit."
It was also stated that both ministers reiterated their support for efforts to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine during the meeting.
EMPHASIS ON DIPLOMACY IN IRAN AND THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
Highlighting the importance of continuing steps to halt mutual attacks and pursue negotiations between the US and Iran, the statement pointed out the significance of diplomacy. The German Foreign Ministry statement also emphasized a sustainable solution for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. It was noted that both countries reiterated their commitments to work together to ensure Iran does not develop or possess nuclear weapons.
It was also reported that steps that could be taken to heal the wounds of the earthquake in Venezuela were discussed during the meeting between the two ministers.
"IRAN, STRAIT OF HORMUZ, AND NATO SUMMIT DISCUSSED WITH GERMAN MINISTER"
The US Department of State also issued a brief statement regarding the meeting between German Minister Wadephul and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The statement on the department's website said, "US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The two reaffirmed the joint US-German commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to preventing Iran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons. The two also discussed the upcoming NATO Summit and the importance of burden-sharing. Both ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine."