US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a two-day visit to Rome on Friday, during which he aimed to ease tensions with Pope Leo and called on Europeans to help in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
“The world must begin to consider what actions it is prepared to take if Iran attempts to establish control over an international waterway. I find that unacceptable,” Rubio shared to the press following his meeting with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
This appeal was directed not only at Italy but also at other European nations, which Trump has criticised for their lack of support in helping the United States to secure the Strait.
“If one of the primary reasons for the US presence in NATO is the capacity to deploy forces in Europe for other contingencies, and that is no longer feasible, at least concerning certain NATO members, that presents a problem that must be addressed,” Rubio commented.
Previously, Tehran took control of the narrow passageway leading to the Gulf, a crucial transport route for oil, gas, and fertiliser, after US and Israeli forces launched an attack on Iran on February 28, igniting the Middle East conflict.
Following his announcement of the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, Trump has further threatened to remove US forces from Italy and Spain due to their unwillingness to engage in the conflict, and he has raised doubts about the United States’ continued membership in NATO.
Read more: “Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time”: Trump closes Strait of Hormuz
