Trump Criticizes Italian Prime Minister Over US-Israel Stance on Iran

US President Donald Trump Criticizes Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Over Iran Policy

In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, US President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over her stance on the war in Iran. According to Trump, he was “shocked” by Meloni’s unwillingness to join the conflict.

Meloni had previously condemned Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, following the pontiff’s repeated calls for an end to the war in the Middle East. Trump stated that Meloni is “unacceptable” because she does not oppose Iran having a nuclear weapon and would allow Italy to be attacked if necessary.

The Italian prime minister has been a key ally of Trump in Europe, often acting as a mediator between US and European views. However, Trump claimed they had not spoken recently, stating that Meloni does not support NATO or efforts to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Trump also criticized the NATO alliance, describing it as a “paper tiger,” and expressed concerns about Europe’s willingness to defend the Hormuz Strait, which is a crucial energy route for many countries. He stated that Italy is facing significant challenges due to immigration, which he believes is affecting the country and Europe as a whole.

The Italian government has responded to Trump’s comments, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressing support for Western unity and cooperation with the US. The Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein condemned Trump’s “serious lack of respect” for Meloni. Additionally, Italy has suspended a defense agreement with Israel due to ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by European leaders in navigating their relationships with major world powers like the US.

Source: Al Jazeera