Diplomatic push in Rome as tensions rise in the Middle East

President Donald Trump stated this weekend that he expects a response from Iran "very soon" regarding a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the ten-week-old war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The President’s optimism comes despite a week of heavy military action and a complete U.S. naval blockade that remains in full effect. While military tensions rise, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been on a high-stakes diplomatic mission in Rome to soothe relations with European leaders and the Holy See. Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday for a two-hour private audience. The meeting was described as "constructive," despite President Trump's public criticisms of the Pope’s anti-war stance.