Italy-US relations are strained as the pope and the Iran war dominate the talks US-Israel War on Iran News

Rome ties the US relationship to domestic pressure as the Iran war disrupts the deal and deepens the economic collapse.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, amid growing tensions between Italy and Washington over the US-Israel war against Iran.

Rubio arrived in Italy on Friday for two days of talks to defuse tensions after Italy refused to support the US-Israel war and amid controversy over US President Donald Trump. attack on Pope Leo.

Meloni previously positioned himself as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, promoting strong transatlantic ties and acting as a bridge between Washington and other European cities. But the conflict with Iran has put his government in dire straits to mend their relationship with their opposition to war and economic collapse.

Before meeting with Meloni, Rubio held talks with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who described the talks as constructive.

“I am sure that Europe needs America, Italy needs America, but the United States also needs Europe and Italy,” said Tajani.

Discussions between Meloni and Rubio were expected to discuss the situation in the Gulf, Russia’s war in Ukraine, US tariffs on European goods and Washington’s approach to Cuba.

Italian officials also want clarity on Rubio’s meeting at the Vatican, where Trump’s recent comments about Pope Leo have sparked unrest in the predominantly Catholic country. Meloni described the comments as “unacceptable”.

Rubio said his meeting with the pope on Friday was “very interesting”.

Tensions between Rome and Washington have escalated in recent weeks. Trumpet to be criticized Meloni’s opinion, accuses him of a lack of determination and warns that the US may reconsider its military presence in Italy.

Meloni said he disagreed with that but acknowledged that any decision on the deployment of US troops would rest with Washington.

Italy also refused to be directly involved in the war with Iran. Last month, Rome refused to allow US aircraft to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily for military operations related to the war, while officials said the request was not legally approved.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto warned that the conflict could undermine US international leadership and raised concerns about nuclear capabilities.

The controversy comes at a critical time for Meloni’s political career, with analysts suggesting his close relationship with Trump could be a liability ahead of next year’s national election amid growing opposition to the war.