A call for coordinated action
Opening the talks, Rubio said economic and geopolitical crises demanded a joint response from the major industrial and emerging economies, dpa-AFX reported. He described the international community's challenges as complex and interconnected, saying the solutions needed to reflect that.
Rubio is hosting the October 30-31, 2026, meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, during the US rotating presidency of the G20. The talks are intended to prepare for a leaders' summit in December at President Donald Trump's Doral resort in Miami, according to the US Department of State and Al-Monitor.
Wars and freedom of navigation
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the war in Iran are expected to be central to the discussions. Both have placed a substantial burden on the global economy, dpa-AFX reported. The United States began the Iran war alongside Israel and has repeatedly criticized its partners for what it considers inadequate support.
The energy effects of that war are already being felt. AFP reported that US-Israeli strikes beginning in late February 2026 triggered Tehran's blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. The resulting shipping restrictions pushed up crude oil and fuel prices, contributing to a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Washington has identified disagreements over freedom of navigation as a priority for the Atlanta talks, according to the Associated Press. The focus includes the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Black Sea and the South China Sea, with discussions covering Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, and China and its smaller neighbors.
The gathering also comes just days before the US midterm elections. The Associated Press reported that US officials have warned several Middle Eastern countries and regional allies to prepare for possible renewed strikes against Iran after the elections, as well as potential Iranian retaliation against them.
A canceled photo and contested attendance
Disagreement over Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's presence disrupted plans for the traditional opening group photograph. Several European diplomats objected to appearing alongside him and threatened to leave the photo session. According to two US officials cited by the Associated Press, Rubio canceled it because he judged the dispute would distract from the meeting.
Lavrov is representing Russia despite remaining under international sanctions, and he plans to make the case against such sanctions during the gathering. China has sent a deputy foreign minister rather than its top diplomat, Wang Yi. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is attending for Germany.
South Africa, a founding G20 member and the group's only African country, received no invitation. Its government said staying away was not its choice. Ukraine, which is not a member but had attended previous meetings by invitation, was also left out this year. US officials said they had chosen to invite only formal members.
Limited expectations for a joint statement
A diplomatic source cited by AFP expects the meeting to produce a US-drafted chair summary rather than a joint final declaration. The source said the G20 is "no longer really a forum where foreign ministers can reach agreement on a statement."
The Trump administration is due to pass the rotating G20 presidency to Britain. Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the December summit in Miami, but whether Putin will attend remains unclear.
