ROME (AP) – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies on Friday to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action against Iran, even as he sought to repair strained relations with Italy and the Vatican during a two-day visit following tensions over The US-Israel War in Iran.
Speaking after meetings with the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Rubio warned that Tehran was trying to exert control over the strategy Strait of Hormuzcalling the move “unacceptable” and a threat to global security.
“Everybody says Iran is a threat. Everybody says Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon … but you have 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 the ‘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 warned Tehran against targeting US naval assets, saying the United States had thwarted attacks on three navy ships in the strait.
“The red line is clear. They threaten Americans, they will be blown up,” he said.
Rubio said Washington was pursuing a diplomatic path, including a proposed UN Security Council resolution aimed at preserving freedom of navigation. He added that the US 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 US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Mellon and Pope Leo XIV.
Differences remain over the Iran war
Meloni described her meeting with Rubio as “constructive, candid and productive,” focusing on bilateral relations and key 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 transatlantic relationship is, but we also understand that each country must protect its own national interests,” Meloni emphasized after the meeting.
Tajani took a more conciliatory tone after the meeting with his American counterpart, reaffirming the importance of the transatlantic alliance.
“I am convinced that Europe needs America – Italy needs America – and the United States also needs Europe and Italy,” Tajani said, adding that he hoped “tensions have calmed down”.
He said the discussions covered the Iran conflict and its spillover into Lebanon, as well Venezuela and Cuba. The US State Department said Rubio also raised the need to protect economic interests and end it war in Ukraine.
Despite efforts to ease tensions, differences remain over the conflict with Iran. Italy has opposed the US-Israeli bombing campaign, with Meloni calling it “illegal” and has resisted involvement in offensive operations.
Tajani said Italy would be willing to contribute naval forces to demining the Strait of Hormuz once a permanent ceasefire is reached and would maintain its role in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. He also stressed the importance of the continued presence of US troops in Europe amid concerns about possible reductions.
No final decision on NATO troop arrangements
Rubio said “no final decision” had been made on NATO troop adjustments, noting that any changes would depend on US national interests and global priorities.
The US has announced a decision to withdraw 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 US and allied operations in the Mediterranean and beyond, has already signaled limits on its cooperation. In March, it refused to allow US bombers bound for the Middle East to use a base in Sicily without parliamentary approval, reflecting constitutional restrictions and strong domestic opposition to the war.
melons, weakened by a recent defeat in the referendum and facing public concern over the conflict, has insisted that any use of Italian bases for offensive operations would require parliamentary support.
The war has also raised economic concerns in Italy, with Meloni warning that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz risk raising energy costs and inflation, while threats of US tariffs weigh on the country’s export-driven economy.
An attempt to de-escalate the Vatican
Rubio also sought to ease tensions with Vatican followers Trump’s criticism of the Pope’s calls for peace. After a long meeting on Thursday with the Pope and the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro ParolinRubio said Washington remained committed to a “productive and fruitful” relationship with the Catholic Church.
“The president’s perspective is clear. He thinks Iran is a threat and needs to be dealt with. And that position remains unchanged,” Rubio said.
Rubio confirmed this Cuba was also discussed in the Vatican, with Washington hoping that the church charity Caritas would continue the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Rubio said The US has provided about $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cubathat will be distributed through Caritas, if the Cubans allow it. He added that Washington has also offered up to $100 million in additional aid, but the Cuban government has so far not accepted it. Rubio blamed the Cuban government for blocking aid and worsening conditions, describing it as “incompetent.”
US officials said the Vatican talks underscored strong bilateral ties and a shared commitment to promoting peace, even as differences over the Iran war persist.
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By GIADA ZAMPANO and NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press
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