Strait of Hormuz security: Marco Rubio urges Europe to act against Iran in Rome talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies in Rome to back warnings about Iran with concrete steps, not only statements. After meeting Premier Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, he said Tehran was seeking to normalise control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned against threats to US maritime assets.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European partners to match warnings about Iran with action. Rubio spoke in Rome after talks with Premier Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Rubio said Tehran was seeking control of the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio called that unacceptable and a risk to global security.

Rubio also pressed Europe to go beyond statements on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. "Everybody says Iran is a threat. Everybody says that Iran cant have a nuclear weapon … but youve got to do something about it,\" Rubio told reporters in Rome. \"If the answer is no … then you better have something more than just strongly worded statements to back it up.\"

Strait of Hormuz and Iran warning from Marco Rubio

Rubio said Iran was trying to make control of an international waterway seem normal. Rubio warned this could invite copycat moves in other regions. Rubio also said Iran should not target US maritime forces. Rubio said the United States stopped attacks on three Navy ships in the strait.

\"The red line is clear. They threaten Americans, they are going to be blown up,\" Rubio said. Rubio added that Washington was also pursuing diplomacy. Rubio said a proposed UN Security Council resolution aimed to protect freedom of navigation. Rubio said the US was awaiting Iran’s response on Friday.

Italy stance on Iran and Marco Rubio talks in Rome

Rubio’s two-day visit followed tensions between Washington and Rome. Disputes included the US-Israeli war in Iran, tariffs, and US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Meloni and Pope Leo XIV. Rubio met Meloni and Tajani as both sides tried to steady relations while differences continued.

Tajani adopted a calm tone after meeting Rubio and backed the trans-Atlantic partnership. \"I am convinced Europe needs America - Italy needs America - and the United States also needs Europe and Italy,\" Tajani said. Tajani said the talks covered Iran and effects on Lebanon. Tajani also cited Venezuela and Cuba.

The US State Department said Rubio also discussed economic interests and ending the war in Ukraine. Even so, Italy differed with Washington on Iran. Italy opposed the US-Israeli bombing campaign. Meloni called the campaign illegal. Italy also resisted taking part in offensive operations linked to the conflict.

Tajani said Italy could send naval forces to help demine the Strait of Hormuz. Tajani linked any mission to a permanent ceasefire. Tajani also said Italy would keep its role in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Tajani stressed the need for continued US troop presence in Europe.

NATO troop adjustments and Iran tensions raised by Marco Rubio

Rubio said there was no final decision on NATO troop adjustments. Rubio said any changes would follow US national interests and global priorities. The US announced a plan to pull 5,000 military personnel from Germany. Trump also threatened more withdrawals from Italy and Spain over war positions.

Italy remained important for US and allied logistics in the Mediterranean and beyond. Italy also signalled limits on cooperation. In March, Italy declined to let US bombers use a base in Sicily. The aircraft were bound for the Middle East. Italy cited the need for parliamentary approval.

Meloni faced domestic pressure after a referendum defeat and public worry over the war. Meloni said any use of Italian bases for offensive actions needed parliament. Meloni also warned that Hormuz disruptions could raise energy costs and inflation. US tariff threats also weighed on Italy’s export economy.

Vatican discussions on Iran and Marco Rubio visit

Rubio also met Vatican leaders after Trump criticised the pope’s peace appeals. Rubio held a long meeting on Thursday with the pontiff and Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Rubio said Washington wanted a productive and fruitful relationship with the Catholic Church. Rubio also repeated Trump’s view on Iran.

\"The presidents perspective is clear. He thinks that Iran is a threat, and it needs to be addressed. And that position remains unchanged,\" Rubio said. Rubio said Cuba also came up at the Vatican. Rubio said Washington wanted the church’s Caritas charity organization to keep delivering aid.

Rubio said the US provided about USD 6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba through Caritas, if allowed. Rubio said Washington also offered up to USD 100 million more. Rubio said Cuba’s government had not accepted it. Rubio blamed Cuba’s government for blocking help and called it incompetent.

US officials said the Vatican meetings showed strong bilateral ties and shared support for peace. The officials also noted that differences over the Iran war remained. Rubio’s Rome visit focused on Hormuz risks, allied coordination, and diplomacy efforts. Italy continued to balance alliance ties with domestic limits.

With inputs from PTI