Marco Rubio said the United States will re-examine its relationship with NATO following meetings with Italian leaders and Pope Francis [1, 3].
This potential shift in alliance strategy comes as tensions rise over the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and escalating activity in the Strait of Hormuz. A pivot away from NATO could fundamentally alter Western security architecture and the collective defense of Europe.
Speaking in Rome on May 8, 2026, Rubio met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani [3]. During these discussions, Rubio said there is friction between the U.S. and its allies, noting that some NATO members have refused to back the U.S.-Israel war in Iran [1, 2].
"We will re-examine our relationship with NATO," Rubio said [1].
Rubio also issued warnings to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. He said that the current state of instability cannot continue indefinitely, stating that "someone’s going to have to do something" [2].
Despite the rhetoric regarding the alliance, Rubio clarified that a total break is not currently official. He said that "Trump has not decided on withdrawal" [3].
The meetings in Rome served as a focal point for discussing U.S.-Italian and EU relations amid the broader context of the Iran war [3]. The diplomatic outreach occurred as U.S. strikes escalate during a fragile truce with Iranian forces [2].
“"We will re-examine our relationship with NATO"”
The U.S. is leveraging its security guarantees to pressure NATO allies into aligning with its Middle East strategy. By linking the stability of the North Atlantic alliance to support for the war in Iran, Washington is signaling that the traditional 'burden-sharing' debate has expanded to include geopolitical alignment on non-European conflicts.
