US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday questioned why allies such as Italy were unwilling to fully support Washington’s efforts to counter Iran and ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz following talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Speaking after he met with Meloni, Rubio said he could not understand why countries opposing Tehran’s actions were limiting themselves to strong statements instead of taking firmer measures. He warned that accepting Iran’s claims over access to the Strait of Hormuz could create a precedent for similar disputes elsewhere.
Rubio’s two-day visit to Italy was aimed at repairing ties with the Vatican after recent criticism of Pope Leo by US President Donald Trump, while also addressing tensions over Rome’s refusal to back the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.
Meloni, regarded as one of Trump’s closest European partners, described her 90-minute discussion with Rubio as “frank”, saying both sides sought to defend national interests while preserving transatlantic cooperation. Italian officials said the talks covered the Middle East, Libya and Lebanon, where Italian troops serve under the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission.
Rome has resisted direct involvement in any confrontation with Iran, citing domestic opposition to the conflict and concerns over rising energy costs. Italy and several European allies have instead indicated willingness to help secure the Strait of Hormuz only after a ceasefire or the end of hostilities.
Before meeting Meloni, Rubio also held talks with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who stressed that while Europe and Italy needed the US, Washington also depended on its European allies.
The visit also touched on Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump’s upcoming China visit, and tensions surrounding the Vatican after Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo drew backlash in strongly Catholic Italy. Rubio further pointed to growing concerns within NATO after countries including Italy and Spain declined to allow their military bases or airspace to be used for strikes linked to the Iran conflict. |
