Rome is balancing relations with the United States with domestic pressures as the Iran war strains alliances and inflicts economic damage.
Published May 8, 2026
Amid rising tensions between Italy and Washington over the US-Israel war against Iran, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome.
Rubio arrived in Italy on Friday for a two-day visit to try to de-escalate tensions, amid Italy’s refusal to support the US-Israel war and a backlash against US President Donald Trump’s attack on Pope Leo.
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Meloni had previously positioned himself as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, fostering strong transatlantic ties and acting as a liaison between Washington and other European capitals. However, the conflict with Iran has put the Iranian government under increasing pressure to balance domestic opposition to the war with the economic fallout.
Prior to his meeting with Meloni, Rubio spoke with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who said the dialogue was constructive.
“I am convinced that Europe needs the United States and Italy needs the United States, but the United States also needs Europe and Italy,” Tajani said.
Meloni and Rubio’s meeting was expected to cover issues such as the situation in the Gulf, Russia’s war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs on European goods and the U.S. approach to Cuba.
Italian officials are also seeking clarification about Rubio’s Vatican meeting after President Trump’s recent comments about Pope Leo sparked a backlash in heavily Catholic Italy. Meloni called the comments “unacceptable.”
Rubio said Friday’s meeting with the pope was “very positive.”
Tensions between Rome and Washington have escalated in recent weeks. President Trump criticized Meloni’s stance, accusing him of a lack of resolve and warning that the United States may reconsider its military presence in Italy.
Meloni said he does not support such a move, but acknowledged that decisions regarding the deployment of U.S. troops ultimately rest with the U.S. government.
Italy also resists direct involvement in the Iran war. Rome last month refused to allow U.S. military aircraft to use Sicily’s Sigonella air base for war-related combat operations, but officials said the request had not been formally approved.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crocet warned that the conflict risks undermining America’s global leadership and expressed concern about the possibility of nuclear escalation.
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time for Meloni, with analysts suggesting his close relationship with President Trump could be called into question ahead of next year’s national elections amid growing public opposition to the war.
