Italy-US ties strained as pope and Iran war dominate talks

"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, as tensions grow between Italy and Washington over the US-Israel war on Iran. Rubio arrived in Italy on Friday for a two-day visit to ease tensions after Italy refused to back the US-Israeli war and amid backlash over US President Donald Trump's attacks on Pope Leo."

"Meloni had previously positioned herself as one of Trump's closest allies in Europe, promoting strong transatlantic ties and acting as a bridge between Washington and other European capitals. But the conflict with Iran has placed her government under mounting pressure to balance that relationship with domestic opposition to the war and its economic fallout."

"Talks between Meloni and Rubio were expected to cover the situation in the Gulf, Russia's war in Ukraine, US tariffs on European goods and Washington's approach to Cuba. Italian officials are also seeking clarity on Rubio's meeting at the Vatican, after Trump's recent remarks about Pope Leo sparked backlash in the predominantly Catholic country."

"Tensions between Rome and Washington have sharpened in recent weeks. Trump criticised Meloni's stance, accusing her of lacking resolve and warning that the US could 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 lies with Washington."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome as tensions rose between Italy and Washington over the US-Israel war on Iran. Meloni had promoted close transatlantic ties and acted as a bridge to US leadership, but the Iran conflict increased domestic pressure against the war and its economic effects. Rubio’s visit followed Italy’s refusal to back the war and backlash tied to Donald Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said talks were constructive and emphasized mutual dependence between Europe and the United States. Meetings were expected to cover the Gulf, Ukraine, US tariffs, and Cuba, while Italian officials sought clarity about Rubio’s Vatican meeting. Recent Trump criticism also raised concerns about US military presence in Italy.

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