USA Rubio disappointed with Europe's stance on the Iran war
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has once again expressed his disappointment at what his government sees as insufficient support from European governments in the Iran war.
08.05.2026, 17:16
SDA
One of the advantages of NATO membership was the ability to station armed forces in Europe and maintain bases for logistics in emergencies, he said in Rome.
This is no longer the case. "This is a problem and it needs to be examined." Ultimately, however, the decision on how to respond to this lies with US President Donald Trump.
Rubio sees costs and dangers
The refusal of countries such as Spain to make bases available to the USA in an urgent situation had caused costs and created unnecessary dangers, explained Rubio. The USA had encountered resistance in both Spain and Italy to the use of military bases for the Iran war.
Trump is now threatening to withdraw troops from Europe. The withdrawal of 5,000 US soldiers has been announced for Germany. This is less than 14 percent and corresponds to the level of 2022, said Rubio.
Rubio had previously met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The latter described his meeting with Rubio as good, emphasizing the importance of Western unity and transatlantic relations. Italy supports all efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire with Iran. Italy would then also be prepared to help demine and secure the Strait of Hormuz with its own navy.
A family tree for the minister
Trade wars are not what we want, said Tajani, referring to the disputes with the USA. It is not only Europe that needs the USA, the reverse is also true. A US military presence in Europe is important.
At the meeting, Rubio was also presented with a family tree tracing his roots in Piedmont in north-western Italy. Rubio, who speaks Spanish as the son of Cuban immigrants, revealed that he is learning Italian and can understand everything. However, the subscription for his Italian course had expired - he would give a speech in Italian on his next visit, he announced.
