ROME — May 8, 2026

Marco Rubio concluded a two-day visit to Rome on Friday, where he called on European countries to participate more in efforts to protect the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Rubio said:

“The world must ask themselves what they are willing to do if Iran seeks to control an international waterway. That is unacceptable.”

According to Reuters, this call is directed at Italy and many other European nations that President Donald Trump believes have not provided sufficient support to the U.S. in protecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran declared control of this strategic maritime route following U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28, leading to the current war in the Middle East.

Rubio also addressed tensions within NATO after President Trump mentioned the possibility of withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain because these countries are reluctant to become more deeply involved in the conflict.

The U.S. Secretary of State warned:

“If one of the main reasons the U.S. is present in NATO is the ability to deploy forces in Europe for other contingencies, and that is no longer feasible with some NATO members, then this is an issue that needs to be reconsidered.”

However, Rubio stated that President Trump has not yet made a final decision on the U.S. response to these allies.

The meeting between Rubio and Prime Minister Meloni lasted nearly 90 minutes at Palazzo Chigi.

The Italian Prime Minister’s Office described the exchange as:

“broad, constructive but also very frank.”

The two sides discussed:

  • bilateral relations,

  • the Middle East,

  • Libya,

  • and Ukraine.

Previously, President Trump had publicly expressed disappointment with Meloni in an interview last month:

“I thought she had courage, but I was wrong.”

During his visit to Rome, Rubio also met with Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican.

Rubio said the meeting with Pope Leo XIV was:

“very positive.”

The two sides exchanged views on:

  • religious freedom,

  • Iran,

  • and the role of the Catholic Church in U.S. humanitarian activities in Cuba.

According to the Vatican, the discussions emphasized:

“the need for tireless efforts for peace.”

When asked if President Trump would call Pope Leo XIV, Rubio replied:

“Maybe. I don’t know. It could happen.”

In a meeting at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials also presented Rubio with documents relating to his family's Italian roots.

Rubio said this was:

“a very special moment”
and stated that he intends to learn Italian.