Rubio Visits Rome, Urges Europe to Share Responsibility for Strait of Hormuz Security
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Rome, urging European nations, including Italy, to share responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, while also addressing tensions with Pope Leo XIV and discussing international issues.
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- 📰 Published: May 9, 2026 at 07:37
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Rome, 8th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his two-day visit to Rome today. During this trip, in addition to attempting to ease tensions with Pope Leo XIV, he also called on Europe to help ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to AFP, this mission was not easy, as US President Trump had recently criticized the Catholic leader, as well as Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
After meeting with Meloni, Rubio told reporters: "The whole world must start thinking: if Iran tries to 'normalize' control of an international waterway, what actions are countries willing to take? I think this is unacceptable."
This call was not only directed at Italy but also at other European countries. Trump had previously criticized Europe for not helping the US protect the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio pointed out: "If one of the main reasons for the US to remain in NATO is to be able to deploy troops in Europe to respond to other contingencies, and now some NATO member states no longer support such an arrangement, then that is a problem and needs to be examined."
Meloni's office stated that the talks with Rubio were "broad and constructive," and also "frank," covering bilateral relations, the Middle East, the situation in Libya, and Ukraine.
The statement pointed out: "This was a frank dialogue between allies, where both sides defended their national interests, but also recognized the importance of Western unity."
Rubio, a devout Catholic, stated today that his meeting with the Pope yesterday was "very smooth."
He said: "It is important to share each other's views, and to explain and understand each other's positions. I think this meeting was very positive." (Compiled by: Hsu Rui-cheng) 1150509
(Central News Agency, Rome, 8th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his two-day visit to Rome today. During this trip, in addition to attempting to ease tensions with Pope Leo XIV, he also called on Europe to help ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to AFP, this mission was not easy, as US President Trump had recently criticized the Catholic leader, as well as Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
After meeting with Meloni, Rubio told reporters: "The whole world must start thinking: if Iran tries to 'normalize' control of an international waterway, what actions are countries willing to take? I think this is unacceptable."
This call was not only directed at Italy but also at other European countries. Trump had previously criticized Europe for not helping the US protect the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio pointed out: "If one of the main reasons for the US to remain in NATO is to be able to deploy troops in Europe to respond to other contingencies, and now some NATO member states no longer support such an arrangement, then that is a problem and needs to be examined."
Meloni's office stated that the talks with Rubio were "broad and constructive," and also "frank," covering bilateral relations, the Middle East, the situation in Libya, and Ukraine.
The statement pointed out: "This was a frank dialogue between allies, where both sides defended their national interests, but also recognized the importance of Western unity."
Rubio, a devout Catholic, stated today that his meeting with the Pope yesterday was "very smooth."
He said: "It is important to share each other's views, and to explain and understand each other's positions. I think this meeting was very positive." (Compiled by: Hsu Rui-cheng) 1150509