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| Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni welcomes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Palazzo Chigi in Rome on May 8, 2026 [Stefano Rellandini/AFP |
Rubio Meets Meloni Amid Growing Rift Over Iran Conflict
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome as tensions continue growing between Italy and Washington over the escalating Iran war and controversial remarks involving Pope Leo.
Rubio arrived in Italy for high-level talks aimed at easing diplomatic strains after Rome refused to openly support the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Iran War Creates Pressure on Meloni Government
The Iran conflict is placing increasing political pressure on Meloni, who had previously built strong ties with President Donald Trump and positioned herself as one of Washington’s closest European allies.
However, growing public opposition inside Italy over the war, economic fears, and rising regional instability are now complicating that relationship.
Italian officials reportedly remain concerned about:
- economic fallout
- energy instability
- military escalation
- possible nuclear tensions in the Middle East
Italy Refused Key US Military Request
Tensions reportedly intensified after Italy declined to approve the use of the Sigonella airbase in Sicily for combat operations connected to the Iran conflict.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also warned that the war could damage America’s global leadership and create dangerous international consequences.
Pope Leo Controversy Adds New Diplomatic Strain
The talks also focused on recent backlash surrounding Trump’s comments about Pope Leo XIV.
Meloni reportedly described Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable,” triggering political reactions across predominantly Catholic Italy.
Rubio later described his Vatican meeting with the pope as “very positive” as Washington attempts to calm tensions with both the Vatican and Italian leadership.
US-Italy Alliance Faces New Challenges
Analysts say the Iran conflict has exposed growing cracks between Rome and Washington despite years of close cooperation.
Trump recently criticized Meloni’s approach to the crisis and reportedly warned the United States could reconsider aspects of its military presence in Italy.
While Meloni rejected such suggestions publicly, the diplomatic tensions have raised concerns ahead of Italy’s upcoming national elections.
Europe Watches Growing Divide Closely
The meeting comes as Europe continues struggling to balance its alliance with Washington while facing growing domestic resistance to deeper involvement in Middle East conflicts.
With the Iran war, global energy fears, and political pressure intensifying, relations between Italy and the United States now appear increasingly strained.