Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome following weeks of rising tension between the United States and Italy. The strain comes after President Donald Trump publicly criticized Meloni over her refusal to join the American-led military campaign against Iran and after she condemned his remarks targeting Pope Leo the Fourteenth.

Meloni, once considered one of Trump's closest European allies, distanced herself from Washington as the conflict in Iran proved deeply unpopular in Italy. With energy prices rising and public opinion turning against the war, she emphasized that Italy is not at war and does not want to be. Trump responded by questioning her leadership, marking a sharp break in their previously warm relationship.

During his visit, Rubio also met with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, as well as issues including the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, political transitions in Latin America, and critical mineral supplies. The meetings signaled an attempt to stabilize relations amid growing diplomatic and political pressures.