Rome (TDI): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome today as the United States and Italy attempt to ease tensions over the ongoing Iran conflict and broader disagreements between the US and Europe.
Rubio is also scheduled to hold talks with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during his visit, AP reported.
Relations between the two allies have become strained in recent weeks due to disputes over US tariffs, defense cooperation, and differing positions on the Iran war. US President Donald Trump has criticized European governments, including Italy, for not providing stronger support for Washington’s military actions. His comments targeting Pope Leo XIV also drew criticism from Italian leaders.
Meloni has publicly opposed the war against Iran, calling it illegal, and described Trump’s remarks about the pope as unacceptable. Trump, in turn, accused the Italian leader of failing to support the US position strongly enough, signalling a cooling in what was once viewed as a close political relationship.
The dispute has also affected military cooperation. The US recently announced plans to reduce troop levels in Germany, while Trump has threatened further troop withdrawals from Italy and Spain because of their opposition to the war.
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Italy plays a major strategic role for NATO and US operations in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa. Any reduction in American troop presence could have implications for regional security arrangements.
Defense cooperation faced another challenge earlier this year when Italy reportedly refused permission for US bombers heading toward the Middle East to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily without parliamentary approval. Italian law generally limits the use of military bases for direct offensive operations unless formally authorized.
Meloni and Tajani have repeatedly stated that Italy does not want to become directly involved in the Iran conflict. They have emphasized that any decision allowing offensive military operations from Italian territory would require approval from Parliament, where opposition to the war remains strong.
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The conflict is also creating economic concerns for Italy. Meloni has warned that instability in the Strait of Hormuz is increasing energy costs and putting pressure on households, while fears of additional US tariffs are raising concerns for Italy’s export-driven economy.
Rubio’s visit also included meetings at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, where discussions focused on efforts to promote peace in the Middle East and maintain strong relations between Washington and the Holy See.
