Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Friday as tensions escalated between Italy and Washington over the US-Israel war on Iran.
Rubio arrived in Italy for a two-day visit aimed at easing strains after Italy refused to back the US-Israel offensive. The visit also follows a backlash over US President Donald Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo.
Meloni had been considered one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, fostering strong transatlantic ties and acting as a bridge between Washington and other European capitals. But the Iran war has put her government under growing pressure to balance that relationship with domestic war opposition and economic consequences.
Before meeting Meloni, Rubio held talks with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who described the discussions as constructive. “I believe Europe needs the US, Italy needs the US, but the United States also needs Europe and Italy,” Tajani said.
Negotiations between Meloni and Rubio were expected to cover the Gulf situation, Russia’s war in Ukraine, US tariffs on European goods, and Washington’s approach to Cuba.
Italian officials also sought clarity on Rubio’s meeting at the Vatican, after Trump’s recent comments about Pope Leo sparked outrage in the predominantly Catholic country. Meloni called those remarks “unacceptable.”
Rubio said his meeting with the pope on Friday was “very positive.”
Tensions between Rome and Washington have risen in recent weeks. Trump criticised Meloni’s stance, accusing her of lacking resolve and warning that the US might reconsider its military presence in Italy.
Meloni said she would not support such a move but acknowledged that any decision on US troop deployments ultimately rests with Washington.
Italy has also refused to directly participate in the Iran war. Last month, Rome denied US aircraft use of Sigonella Air Base in Sicily for combat operations related to the war, with officials saying the request had not been formally approved.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto warned the conflict risks weakening US global leadership and expressed concern about potential nuclear escalation.
The dispute comes at a politically sensitive time for Meloni, as analysts say her close relationship with Trump could become a liability ahead of next year’s national election, with public war opposition growing.
