ROME – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commenced his second day of crucial diplomatic talks on Friday, engaging with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni as part of efforts to mend relations strained by the ongoing war with Iran.
The tensions have escalated due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, his criticisms of European involvement in the conflict, and contentious remarks directed at Pope Leo XIV. These factors have contributed to a period of discord between the U.S. and Italy, which have traditionally been strong allies.
Rubio’s agenda included discussions with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, focusing on the implications of the Iran war, the broader situation in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the socio-political transitions in Venezuela and Cuba. Additionally, the conversations covered critical minerals and the overall state of U.S.-European relations, as noted by the Italian Foreign Ministry.
The diplomatic trip began on Thursday with a significant meeting with Pope Leo XIV, reflecting Rubio’s commitment to easing transatlantic tensions. Both Meloni and Tajani are aiming to sustain Italy’s strategic partnership with the U.S. while simultaneously advocating for a measured approach to the Iran conflict.
Trump’s criticism of both the pontiff and the Italian government, particularly regarding their stance on the war, has created friction. Meloni has labeled the conflict as “illegal” and condemned Trump’s comments about the pope as “unacceptable.” In turn, Trump has accused Meloni of lacking the resolve to support U.S. efforts in the conflict, indicating a cooling of relations between the two leaders, who were once seen as allies.
Italy has firmly opposed the U.S. military actions in Iran, with significant implications for U.S. military presence in Europe. The U.S. has announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, and Trump has hinted at further troop reductions in Italy and Spain as a consequence of their positions on the war.
Italy serves as a pivotal logistics hub for U.S. and allied operations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa. A reduction in U.S. troop levels could impact NATO’s operational capabilities in southern Europe, raising concerns among military strategists.
Defense cooperation has already been tested, notably when Italy refused to allow U.S. bombers heading to the Middle East to land at the Sigonella base in Sicily without parliamentary consent. This reflects Italy’s constitutional stipulations regarding military operations, which mandate parliamentary approval for offensive uses of military bases.
Both Meloni and Tajani have reiterated that Italy will not participate in the conflict in Iran, emphasizing that any requests for using Italian bases for offensive operations must be sanctioned by Parliament, where there is significant opposition to the war.
The stakes for Italy encompass not only its defense partnership with the U.S. but also the economic ramifications stemming from the war. Meloni has pointed out that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is inflating energy prices and diminishing household purchasing power, while potential U.S. tariffs threaten Italy’s export-driven economy.
Following a referendum defeat in March and mounting domestic opposition to the war, Meloni faces a complicated political landscape. Despite her efforts since taking office in 2022 to position herself as a steadfast U.S. ally and mediator between Washington and Europe, the disputes over Iran and trade, coupled with her political challenges, have exposed the limitations of her role.
An attempt to de-escalate tensions occurred during Rubio’s visit to the Vatican, where he engaged in a 2½-hour dialogue with Pope Leo XIV and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. They discussed collaborative efforts to foster lasting peace in the Middle East and other mutual interests, reaffirming the strong ties that exist between the two nations.
U.S. officials highlighted that these discussions underscored a shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity, reinforcing the importance of the relationship between the United States and the Holy See amid ongoing global tensions.
