Rubio Urges Europe to Take Action Against Iran During Visit to Italy and Vatican

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies on Friday to take concrete action against Iran rather than rely on statements, while working to repair relations with Italy and the Vatican during a two-day visit to Rome. The visit followed weeks of disagreements between Washington and Rome over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, tariffs and President Donald Trump’s criticism of Italian officials and Pope Leo XIV.

Speaking to reporters after meetings with Italian officials, Rubio said Iran was attempting to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. “Everybody says Iran is a threat. Everybody says that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon ... but you’ve got to do something about it,” Rubio told reporters in Rome.

“If the answer is no ... ” Rubio said Iran was trying to normalize control over an international waterway, a precedent he warned could encourage similar actions elsewhere. He added that the United States had thwarted attacks on three Navy ships in the strait and cautioned Tehran against targeting U.S. maritime assets.

“The red line is clear. They threaten Americans, they are going to be blown up,” he said.

Rubio said Washington was pursuing a diplomatic track that included a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at preserving freedom of navigation. He added the U.S. was awaiting Iran’s response on Friday to ongoing diplomatic efforts. Italian officials struck a conciliatory tone after the talks and reaffirmed the importance of the trans-Atlantic alliance.

One official said Europe and Italy need the United States and that the United States also needs Europe and Italy. The official added that discussions covered the Iran conflict and its spillover into Lebanon, as well as Venezuela and Cuba. Differences remain over the Iran conflict.

Italy has opposed the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign and has resisted involvement in offensive operations. Italian officials said the country would be prepared to contribute naval forces to demine the Strait of Hormuz once a permanent ceasefire is reached.

They also said Italy would maintain its role in the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and stressed the importance of continued U.S. troop presence in Europe.

Rubio said no final decision had been made on NATO troop adjustments and that any changes would depend on U.S. national interests and global priorities. The U.S. has announced a decision to pull 5,000 military personnel from Germany. Italy has already signaled limits to its cooperation.

In March it declined to allow U.S. bombers bound for the Middle East to use a base in Sicily without parliamentary approval. Italian officials have insisted that any use of Italian bases for offensive operations would require parliamentary backing. The war has raised economic concerns in Italy.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz risk driving up energy costs and inflation while U.S. tariff threats weigh on the country’s export-driven economy.

Meeting at the Vatican Rubio also met with the pope and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Thursday. He said Washington remained committed to a productive and fruitful relationship with the Catholic Church. Rubio confirmed that Cuba was discussed and that Washington hoped the church’s Caritas charity organization would continue distributing humanitarian aid.

Rubio said the U.S. has provided about $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba to be distributed through Caritas should the Cubans allow it. He added Washington has offered up to $100 million in additional aid but the Cuban government has not accepted it so far.

Rubio blamed Cuba’s government for blocking assistance. U.S. officials said the Vatican talks underscored strong bilateral ties and a shared commitment to promoting peace even as differences over the Iran war persist.