Trump, Italy’s Meloni exchange fresh criticism over Iran war stance By Investing.com

Summary

Zelenskiy warns of major Russian attack as strikes kill at least six Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni traded fresh criticism on Saturday, extending a public dispute that has emerged between the two leaders in recent days, Bloomberg reported. In a social media post, Trump repeated claims that Meloni had sought a photo with him during this week’s G7 summit in France, but said he declined because Italy did not support the U.S. military campaign against Iran. The president also suggested that Meloni was seeking closer ties with Washington after the U.S. military operation against Iran. Meloni responded shortly afterward on Instagram, describing Trump’s repeated comments as "senseless" and defending Italy’s independence. "Italy remains a sovereign nation," she wrote. "I suggest you focus on yours," she added, referring to Trump’s popularity. Relations between the two leaders have deteriorated in recent months over differences surrounding the Iran conflict. Italy opposed the war from the outset and became increasingly critical as energy prices rose during the fighting. Earlier this year, Rome denied Washington access to an airbase in Sicily for combat operations linked to the conflict, citing long-standing restrictions governing the use of the facility. Meloni has also publicly criticized Trump’s comments directed at Pope Leo XIV, who opposed the war. The latest exchange follows what appeared to be a brief easing of tensions during the G7 summit. Italian officials had indicated that discussions between the two leaders had helped improve relations. That changed after Trump said in televised remarks on Friday that Meloni had "begged" for a photograph with him at the gathering. The Italian leader rejected the claim, calling it "totally made up." Responding from a meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels, Meloni said she regretted that Trump did not direct the same level of criticism toward what she described as adversaries of the United States and the West. The public disagreement marks a rare escalation in tensions between two leaders whose governments have traditionally maintained close ties on economic and security issues.