US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed his support for NATO following talks in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as tensions continue between the United States and several European allies over security and the Iran conflict.
Meloni described the discussions as “productive” and “frank”, stressing the importance of defending national interests while maintaining strong transatlantic relations.
The secretary of state’s meetings with the PM and her Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, come amid rising tensions between Rome and Washington after US President Donald Trump threatened the EU with higher tariffsand hinted at withdrawing US forces from Italy and Spain over what he sees as insufficient European support for the war in Iran.
Key developments:
- Rubio said troop withdrawals from Europe would ultimately be decided by US President Donald Trump.
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasised the importance of a continued American military presence in Europe.
- Italy repeated its support for a future naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz after a lasting US-Iran ceasefire.
- Washington continues to push European allies for stronger backing regarding the Iran conflict.
ℹ️ POLITICO
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