Rubio meets Meloni in Rome as U.S. awaits Iran response

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Thursday for talks focused on Iran, Middle East security and transatlantic cooperation, as Washington waits for Tehran’s response to a US negotiating proposal.

The meeting at Palazzo Chigi lasted around 90 minutes and came amid heightened tensions following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and growing concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz.

“We will see what happens in the next few hours,” Rubio told reporters after the talks. “Iran is fragmented, but I truly hope there will be a serious proposal from them.”

According to Rubio, the U.S. has seen “major progress” in negotiations with Tehran, but concerns remain over Iranian plans to establish an authority regulating traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a move Washington fears could legitimise the current system of controls and transit fees in one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.

Before meeting Meloni, Rubio held talks with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the Farnesina, where discussions focused on the Middle East, Ukraine and EU-U.S. relations.

A statement from the U.S. State Department said Rubio stressed “the need for Western nations to protect their economic interests” and discussed maritime security, freedom of navigation and efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

The situation in Lebanon also featured prominently in the talks. Rubio said Italy could play “an even greater role” in supporting stability in the country, citing Rome’s long-standing presence and expertise in the region.

He also confirmed that U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to take place in Washington next week.

Rubio denied reports that he and Meloni discussed a potential reduction of the U.S. military presence in Italy, an issue that has resurfaced following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump questioning aspects of NATO burden-sharing.

“We did not discuss bases,” Rubio said, while reiterating that he remains “a strong supporter of NATO”.

However, he criticised some European allies, including Spain, for allegedly refusing U.S. access to military bases during operations linked to Iran, arguing the decision created “unnecessary dangers” for American forces.

Tajani, meanwhile, stressed the importance of preserving strong transatlantic ties.

“Europe needs America, Italy needs America, but the United States also needs Europe and Italy,” the Italian foreign minister said after the bilateral meeting.

Rubio also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying Washington remains ready to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow “but is not willing to waste time” if diplomatic efforts fail to produce results.

“We remain prepared to play that role if it becomes productive,” he said.

During his visit to Rome, Rubio also met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The U.S. secretary of state described the talks as “very good” and said the visit had been planned “a long time ago”.

In a lighter moment during his stop at the Farnesina, Rubio received a family tree tracing his Piedmontese roots and joked about learning Italian, saying: “Next time I come back, I’ll give a speech in Italian.”

Caption: Meloni receives Rubio in Palazzo Chigi [governo.it]