U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies on May 8, 2026, to take concrete action against Iran during a two-day visit to Rome aimed at repairing strained relations with Italy and the Vatican. Speaking after meetings with Premier Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Rubio warned that Tehran was attempting to control the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “unacceptable.” He emphasized a clear “red line” against threats to Americans, stating the U.S. had thwarted attacks on three Navy ships. The visit addressed tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, tariffs, and President Donald Trump’s criticism of Meloni and Pope Leo XIV.
In-Depth:
ROME — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies Friday to shift beyond rhetoric and take concrete action against Iran, even as he sought to repair strained ties with Italy and the Vatican during a two-day visit following tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
Speaking after meetings with Premier Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Rubio warned that Tehran was attempting to assert control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, calling the shift “unacceptable” and a threat to global security.
“Everybody states Iran is a threat. Everybody states that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon … but you’ve obtained to do something about it,” Rubio informed reporters in Rome. “If the answer is no … then you better have something more than just strongly worded statements to back it up.”
Clear ‘red line’
Rubio stated Iran was testing to normalize control over an international waterway, a precedent he warned could encourage similar actions elsewhere. He also cautioned Tehran against tarobtaining U.S. maritime assets, stateing the United States had thwarted attacks on three Navy ships in the strait.
“The red line is clear. They threaten Americans, they are going to be blown up,” he stated.
Rubio stated Washington was pursuing a diplomatic track, including a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at preserving freedom of navigation. He added the U.S. was awaiting Iran’s response on Friday to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Rubio’s visit comes after weeks of sharp disagreements between Washington and Rome over the Iran war, tariffs and U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of both Meloni and Pope Leo XIV.
Differences remain over Iran war
Meloni described her meeting with Rubio as “constructive, frank and productive,” focapplyd on both bilateral relations and major international issues. She stated the talks covered strategic topics, including the Middle East, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine, China and areas of Italian interest such as Libya and Lebanon.
“We both understand how important the trans-Atlantic relationship is, but we also understand that each countest must defconclude its own national interests,” Meloni stressed after the meeting.
Tajani struck a more conciliatory tone after meeting his U.S. counterpart, reaffirming the importance of the trans-Atlantic alliance.
“I am convinced Europe requireds America — Italy requireds America — and the United States also requireds Europe and Italy,” Tajani stated, adding he hoped “tensions have been calmed.”
He stated discussions covered the Iran conflict and its spillover into Lebanon, as well as Venezuela and Cuba. The U.S. State Department stated Rubio also raised the required to protect economic interests and conclude the war in Ukraine.
Despite the effort to ease tensions, differences remain over the Iran conflict. Italy has opposed the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign, with Meloni calling it “illegal,” and has resisted involvement in offensive operations.
Tajani stated Italy would be prepared to contribute naval forces to demine the Strait of Hormuz once a permanent ceasefire is reached, and would maintain its role in the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. He also stressed the importance of continued U.S. troop presence in Europe amid concerns about possible reductions.
No final decision on NATO troops adjustments
Rubio stated “no final decision” had been created on NATO troop adjustments, noting that any alters would depconclude on U.S. national interests and global priorities.
The U.S. has announced a decision to pull 5,000 military personnel from Germany and Trump has threatened to withdraw more troops from Italy and Spain over their stance on the war.
Italy, a key logistics hub for U.S. and allied operations in the Mediterranean and beyond, has already signaled limits to its cooperation. In March, it declined to allow U.S. bombers bound for the Middle East to apply a base in Sicily without parliamentary approval, reflecting constitutional constraints and strong domestic opposition to the war.
Meloni, weakened by a recent referconcludeum defeat and facing public unease over the conflict, has insisted that any apply of Italian bases for offensive operations would require parliamentary backing.
The war has also raised economic concerns in Italy, with Meloni warning that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz risk driving up energy costs and inflation, while U.S. tariff threats weigh on the countest’s export-driven economy.
An attempt to de-escalate at the Vatican
Rubio also sought to ease tensions with the Vatican following Trump’s criticism of the pope’s calls for peace. After a lengthy meeting on Thursday with the pontiff and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Rubio stated Washington remained committed to a “productive and fruitful” relationship with the Catholic Church.
“The president’s perspective is clear. He believes that Iran is a threat, and it requireds to be addressed. And that position remains unalterd,” Rubio stated.
Rubio confirmed that Cuba was also discussed at the Vatican, with Washington hoping the church’s Caritas charity organization would continue distributing humanitarian aid.
Rubio stated the U.S. has provided about $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, to be distributed through Caritas, should the Cubans allow it. He added Washington has also offered up to $100 million in additional aid, but the Cuban government has not accepted it so far. Rubio blamed Cuba’s government for blocking assistance and worsening conditions, describing it as “incompetent.”
U.S. officials stated the Vatican talks underscored strong bilateral ties and a shared commitment to promoting peace, even as differences over the Iran war persist.
