Rubio perplexed by allies’ lack of support on Iran

Lead

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed bewilderment over a lack of support from allies for Washington's military campaign against Iran, as reported by multiple outlets. During a two-day trip to Rome, Rubio met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Leo XIV, aiming to ease bilateral tensions after a period of strain over the US-Israeli war against Iran. Rubio told reporters, "I don't understand why anybody would not be supportive," emphasizing that President Donald Trump shares that sentiment, according to Yonhap News.

Coverage Comparison

Dawn reports that Rubio questioned why US allies, including Italy, were not backing Washington's efforts to confront Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following what it described as a "frank meeting" with Meloni. The Pakistani daily also noted that Trump is weighing a response to allies blocking base access, and that while Riyadh keeps its bases open, it prohibits their use for operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

TASS, the Russian state news agency, focused on Rubio's comments about NATO, quoting him as saying that allies' refusal to let Washington use military bases during the conflict "calls in question the very purpose of the alliance." Rubio cited Spain as an example and added that the US has "very legitimate questions" for NATO, noting that Washington pays "two thirds of the bill."

Yonhap News highlighted Rubio's broader frustration, reporting his remarks that allies' lack of support "doesn't understand" and that he stressed Trump's efforts to address Iran's nuclear ambitions. The South Korean wire service also mentioned Trump's frustration over allies not acceding to calls for support, including naval assistance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, and noted that Rubio singled out Spain for denying base access.

Key Claims

Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as part of his two-day trip to Rome, aimed at improving bilateral ties after tensions over the US-Israeli war against Iran, as reported by Yonhap and Dawn. Dawn added that Italy refused to support the US-Israeli war on Iran, citing public animosity and economic costs, although this detail was not carried by the other outlets.

Rubio warned that Tehran's claim to control access to the Strait of Hormuz risks setting a dangerous precedent, allowing countries to normalize control over international waterways. Dawn quotes him as saying, "The fundamental question every country... needs to ask themselves is, are you going to normalise a country claiming to control an international waterway? Because if you normalise that, you've set a precedent that's going to get repeated in a dozen other places."

Rubio questioned the purpose of NATO due to allies' refusal to let the US use their military bases, citing Spain as an example of an ally denying base access, according to TASS and Yonhap. TASS carried his full quote: "When you have NATO partners denying you the use of those bases, when the primary reason why NATO is good for America is now being denied to us by Spain as an example, then what's the purpose of the Alliance?"

Trump has expressed frustration over allies not supporting US calls, including naval assistance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Yonhap. Dawn reported that Trump weighs a response to allies blocking base access, including Italy and Spain, which have denied the use of their bases for US military operations against Iran. Yonhap also mentioned Trump's decision to pull out some 5,000 troops from Germany, where about 36,000 American service members are stationed.

Dawn reported that Saudi Arabia keeps its bases open but prohibits their use for Hormuz operations, citing concerns that the operation would escalate the situation.

Perspectives

US Government: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump have expressed frustration and confusion over allies' lack of support for the US military campaign against Iran. Rubio emphasized the need for concrete action beyond statements, as reported by Dawn and Yonhap.

Italian Government: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described her meeting with Rubio as "certainly frank," balancing loyalty to the US with domestic opposition to the war and economic costs, as reported by Dawn.

NATO Ally (Spain): While no direct Spanish official is quoted, Rubio's comments about Spain's denial of base access reflect a position that has created tension within the alliance, as reported by TASS and Yonhap.