Foreign Ministers of the G7 nations wrapped up a two-day meeting outside Paris with a stern call to stop attacks on civilians and diplomatic facilities as the war in Iran continues. 

But the event was overshadowed by urgent closed-door discussions over just how long the conflict may last, and what happens after it.

According to sources close to Friday's talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended only day two of the meeting, told counterparts he believes the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran could be over within weeks. 

Escort system for Strait of Hormuz

Allies spoke about a possible post-conflict role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane that sees about 20 percent of the world's oil and liquified natural gas traverse through it.

Addressing the press after the meeting concluded, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France shares the same objectives as the US about the Strait, and that an escort system for tankers would be needed once hostilities in the region are over. 

"It is out of the question to live in a world where international waters are closed to navigation as part of conflicts that do not concern the countries that need this traffic to be able to take place," said Barrot.

According to Reuters news agency, Rubio told G7 allies not to send ships now, but to prepare for a post-war role. 

France says its military chief has already spoken with some 35 countries about options for a future mission, describing the idea as strictly defensive and aimed at resuming shipping once hostilities end. 

Early planning has reportedly included mine clearance followed by tanker escorts.

Despite the cautious language from France's Foreign Minister in delivering the final statement, the meeting saw no agreement on the timeline for a ceasefire. 

G7 ministers were able to agree on the need to protect civilians, diplomatic premises, and global trade routes, but did not publicly propose a clear exit strategy for ending the conflict. 

While the talks showed determination to contain the war's wider impact, they also highlighted a major lack of consensus among G7 allies, as the world continues to face this rapidly shifting and deeply volatile crisis.