The Latest: Rubio meets with Italian leaders on Day 2 of US fence-mending visit – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Rome – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio completed a two-day round of meetings in Italy and at the Vatican on Friday, seeking to steady relations strained by weeks of disagreement over the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Italian officials used the occasion to stress that both sides of the Atlantic still rely on each other for security and economic stability. The talks unfolded against a backdrop of renewed pressure on the fragile ceasefire, including fresh strikes and counter-moves in the Gulf region that could affect energy supplies and shipping lanes worldwide.
Italian Leaders Stress Mutual Reliance
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Rubio directly that Europe and the United States need one another, a point he repeated after their session. Tajani said the two sides had reviewed the situation in Iran, spillover risks in Lebanon, and developments in Venezuela and Cuba. He expressed hope that the visit itself would help lower recent friction between Washington and Rome.
The exchange came after months of sharp exchanges over trade policy, European contributions to the Iran effort, and public criticism of Pope Leo XIV. Tajani framed the conversation as forward-looking, noting that Italy continues to view the United States as an essential partner on both security and economic matters.
Rubio Defends Trump’s Approach While Seeking Common Ground With the Church
Rubio addressed reporters in Rome about President Trump’s repeated criticism of the pope’s calls for dialogue in the Iran conflict. He said the president would continue to speak plainly about U.S. interests and that the administration still sees room for a productive relationship with the Catholic Church. Rubio added that Trump’s view of Iran as a threat requiring direct action has not changed.
The secretary of state’s remarks followed his meeting with Leo XIV the previous day. Italian leaders had publicly defended the pope during the earlier back-and-forth, and Rubio’s comments appeared calibrated to keep that channel open while reiterating Washington’s core position.
Warnings Issued on Hormuz and Expected Iranian Reply
Rubio also fielded questions about reports that Iran has formed a new government agency to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He called any such control unacceptable and asked what the international community would do in response. He warned that any attack on U.S. Navy vessels would trigger a strong reaction.
Separately, Rubio said the United States was awaiting Iran’s answer to the latest diplomatic proposals, delivered through Pakistan, and expected clarity later that same day. Hours earlier, the United Arab Emirates reported responding to a missile and drone incident, while U.S. forces said they had blocked attacks on three Navy ships and struck Iranian targets in return. These moves kept the ceasefire under strain even as negotiators continued to search for a broader agreement.
Practical Effects on Energy, Shipping, and Daily Life
The renewed activity around the Strait of Hormuz has already pushed average U.S. gasoline prices above $4.50 a gallon in recent days, the largest disruption to global oil flows in decades. Businesses that rely on steady fuel costs and reliable shipping routes now face added uncertainty about future price swings and delivery delays.
Stakeholders watching the next phase include:
- European governments that import energy and maintain naval presence in the region
- U.S. and allied shipping companies that transit the strait daily
- Consumers and industries sensitive to sudden jumps in fuel and transportation costs
- Diplomats seeking to lock in a durable end to the fighting
Any escalation or breakthrough will shape household budgets and corporate planning in the months ahead.
The visit closed with both sides voicing cautious optimism that lines of communication remain intact. Yet the underlying questions about how to manage Iran’s nuclear ambitions and secure vital waterways continue to test the partnership, leaving ordinary citizens on both sides of the Atlantic to absorb the economic ripples of whatever comes next.
