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Meloni Meets Rubio as Iran War Strains Italy-US Ties

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome on Friday to ease trans-Atlantic tensions over the Iran war and preserve Italy's strategic partnership with Washington.
President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw military personnel from Italy and Spain, accusing Meloni's government and Pope Leo XIV of being 'negative' on the Iran war and lacking courage.
During a 2-hour visit Thursday, Rubio met Leo and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, discussing 'efforts to achieve a durable peace in the Middle East' according to the State Department.
Italy declined U.S. bombers at Sigonella base in March, with Meloni labeling the conflict 'illegal' and requiring parliamentary approval for offensive operations under Italy's Constitution.
NATO's posture in southern Europe faces uncertainty as the U.S. withdraws 5,000 personnel from Germany, with potential reductions in Italy threatening its role as a key logistics hub for allied operations.

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Rubio backs NATO in Rome as US-Italy tensions simmer

The secretary of state’s meeting with Giorgia Meloni came amid rising tensions between Rome and Washington in recent weeks.

7 hours ago·Brussels, Belgium

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The New Arab

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Rubio questions allies’ support on Iran following Italy talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday and afterwards questioned why allies including Italy were not backing Washington's efforts to confront Iran and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. "I don't understand why anybody would not be supportive," Rubio told reporters, adding that countries needed "something more than just strongly worded statements" if they opposed Iran's actions. Rubio was wrapping up a two-day …

8 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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