The meetings in Rome come amid strains between the United States and several European allies following criticism by Donald Trump over Europe’s reluctance to support the U.S. military campaign against Iran and disagreements over tariffs and defense commitments.

Rubio was also scheduled to hold talks with Antonio Tajani as part of a broader diplomatic effort to ease trans-Atlantic friction.

Italy has publicly opposed the war with Iran, with Meloni describing the conflict as “illegal” and criticizing Trump’s remarks directed at Pope Leo XIV. Trump in turn accused Meloni of failing to support Washington adequately during the conflict.

The dispute has complicated what had previously been viewed as one of Trump’s strongest relationships with a European leader.

Washington has also increased pressure on European allies over military burden-sharing and support for operations in the Middle East. The United States recently announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, while Trump has threatened additional reductions of American military deployments in Italy and Spain.

Italy hosts several strategically important U.S. and NATO facilities supporting operations across the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa. Italian officials have expressed concern that troop reductions could weaken NATO’s southern flank.

Defense cooperation between Rome and Washington came under strain in March when Italy declined to authorize the use of the Sigonella air base in Sicily for U.S. bombing missions linked to the Iran conflict without parliamentary approval.

Under Italy’s constitution and existing treaty arrangements, military bases used within a NATO framework generally require additional authorization for offensive combat operations.

Meloni and Tajani have repeatedly stated that Italy will not participate directly in the Iran war and have insisted any request involving offensive use of Italian bases must receive parliamentary consent, where opposition to the conflict remains strong.

The war has also raised economic concerns for Italy, which depends heavily on energy imports and exports. Meloni has warned that instability in the Strait of Hormuz risks increasing energy prices and harming household purchasing power, while uncertainty surrounding possible U.S. tariffs has unsettled Italy’s export-oriented industries.

Rubio’s visit began on Thursday with meetings at the Vatican, including talks with Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin.According to the U.S. Department of State⁠, discussions focused on efforts to secure a lasting peace in the Middle East and reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Washington and the Holy See.