US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for declining to support military involvement in the ongoing Iran conflict.
In an interview published Tuesday with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed disappointment with Meloni, describing her stance as lacking courage despite their previously close political ties.
“I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” Trump said, referring to Meloni’s refusal to involve Italy in the war.
Rift Between Close Allies Emerges
Meloni, who has led Italy since October 2022, has often been considered one of Trump’s strongest allies in Europe. She has frequently positioned herself as a mediator between the United States and European nations when disagreements arise.
However, the latest remarks indicate growing friction between the two leaders over Italy’s position on the war, which began following joint Israeli and US strikes on Iran.
Trump argued that Italy’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil should make it more willing to participate in the conflict.
Tensions Also Linked To Dispute Over Pope Leo XIV
The criticism came less than 24 hours after Meloni publicly condemned Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV.
The Pope has repeatedly called for an immediate end to the war in the Middle East, urging restraint and diplomatic solutions. Trump had earlier criticised the pontiff, prompting Meloni to label his comments as “unacceptable.”
In response, Trump turned the criticism back on Meloni, saying it was she who was “unacceptable” and accusing her of failing to take the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran seriously.
Interview Published In Italian Media
The interview was published in Italian by Corriere della Sera, though the original comments were delivered in English, according to reports.
Trump’s remarks add to growing tensions among Western allies over how to respond to the Iran conflict, particularly regarding the extent of military involvement and diplomatic engagement.