Rubio Presses European Allies on Iran Action During Rome Talks, Questions NATO Support

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday to repair strained ties over Iran policy, tariffs, and Trump's criticism of Italian and Vatican leaders. Rubio urged European allies to take concrete action against Iran's attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, warning Tehran would be attacked if it threatens Americans, while expressing frustration that allies are not backing Washington's confrontational approach. Italy opposed the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign as illegal and declined to allow U.S. bombers to use a Sicilian base without parliamentary approval, with Meloni warning that Strait of Hormuz disruptions risk driving up Italian energy costs. The visit included meetings with Pope Leo XIV after Trump criticized the pope's peace calls, though differences over the Iran war persist between Washington and the Vatican.

Strained U.S.-Italy Relations and Diplomatic Efforts to Repair Ties

• ▪Marco Rubio met with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during the Rome visit.
• ▪Giorgia Meloni and Marco Rubio discussed the Middle East, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine, China, Libya and Lebanon during their meeting.
• ▪Giorgia Meloni described her meeting with Marco Rubio as constructive, frank and productive.
• ▪Italy declined in March to allow U.S. bombers bound for the Middle East to use a base in Sicily without parliamentary approval.
• ▪Weeks of sharp disagreements occurred between Washington and Rome over the Iran war, tariffs, and U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of Meloni and Pope Leo XIV.

NATO Troop Presence and Military Cooperation Concerns

• ▪The United States announced a decision to pull 5,000 military personnel from Germany.

Vatican Diplomacy and Tensions Over Iran War

• ▪Marco Rubio stated that Donald Trump's perspective is that Iran is a threat and needs to be addressed, and that position remains unchanged.
• ▪Washington has offered up to $100 million in additional aid to Cuba, but the Cuban government has not accepted it so far.
• ▪Marco Rubio sought to ease tensions with the Vatican following Donald Trump's criticism of the pope's calls for peace.
• ▪The United States has provided about $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba to be distributed through Caritas.
• ▪Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Thursday.

5 sources