US presses allies to act as Rome balances ties with domestic pressure

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has questioned why allies, including Italy, are not backing Washington’s war on Iran.

Speaking after talks in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Rubio said stronger support from partners is needed.

"I don't understand why anybody would not be supportive," he told reporters, adding that countries required "something more than just strongly worded statements" if they opposed Iran’s actions. The US and Israel first attacked Iran on 28 February.

Rubio’s visit to Italy was part of a broader diplomatic effort to ease tensions, including meetings with the Vatican and fallout from US President Donald Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo.

Meloni, once seen as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, has sought to maintain strong ties with Washington while navigating mounting domestic opposition to the war and its economic impact.