Rubio presses Europe on Iran action as he seeks to mend ties with Italy
and Vatican
[May 09, 2026]
By GIADA ZAMPANO and NICOLE WINFIELD
ROME (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies
Friday to move 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 move
“unacceptable” and a threat to global security.
“Everybody says Iran is a threat. Everybody says that Iran can’t have a
nuclear weapon … but you’ve got to do something about it,” Rubio told
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 said Iran was trying to normalize control over an international
waterway, a precedent he warned could encourage similar actions
elsewhere. He also cautioned Tehran against targeting U.S. maritime
assets, saying 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 said.
Rubio said 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,” focused on both bilateral relations and major international
issues. She said 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 country must defend 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 needs America — Italy needs America — and the
United States also needs Europe and Italy,” Tajani said, adding he hoped
“tensions have been calmed.”
He said discussions covered the Iran conflict and its spillover into
Lebanon, as well as Venezuela and Cuba. The U.S. State Department said
Rubio also raised the need to protect economic interests and end 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 said 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.
[to top of second column]
|
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Italy's Prime Minister
Giorgia Meloni during his two-day visit to Italy and the Vatican, in
Rome, Friday, May 8, 2026. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)
No final decision on NATO troops adjustments
Rubio said “no final decision” had been made on NATO troop
adjustments, noting that any changes would depend 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 use a base in Sicily without parliamentary
approval, reflecting constitutional constraints and strong domestic
opposition to the war.
Meloni, weakened by a recent referendum defeat and facing public
unease over the conflict, has insisted that any use 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
country’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 said Washington remained committed to
a “productive and fruitful” relationship with the Catholic Church.
“The president’s perspective is clear. He thinks that Iran is a
threat, and it needs to be addressed. And that position remains
unchanged,” Rubio said.
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 said 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 said the Vatican talks underscored strong bilateral
ties and a shared commitment to promoting peace, even as differences
over the Iran war persist.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
