Meloni Rejects Trump’s Criticism Over Iran Policy, June 21

US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are locked in a public feud over Italy’s refusal to support American military action against Iran. Trump claimed Meloni asked for a photo at the G7 summit in France and said her low poll numbers stem from not backing US policy. Meloni rejected these claims as fabricated and defended Italy’s sovereignty. The dispute has real diplomatic consequences, with Italy’s Foreign Minister canceling a planned US visit.

Trump Attacks Meloni Over Iran and Military Bases

On Saturday, Trump posted on Truth Social that Meloni had repeatedly asked him for a photograph during the G7 summit in Évian, France. He also misspelled her first name as “Gigiorgia.” Trump claimed Italy’s refusal to support US military operations against Iran had damaged Meloni’s popularity at home. He wrote that Meloni would not allow the US to use Italian runways, which he called “a significant logistical disadvantage.” Trump concluded by saying that after the US military defeated Iran, Meloni now wanted to restore their friendship to improve her poll numbers. “No thanks,” he added.

Meloni Defends Italy’s Sovereignty and Rejects Fabricated Claims

Meloni responded on Instagram, calling Trump’s repeated attacks “senseless and unprovoked.” She stated that her popularity depends on defending Italy’s interests, not on her relationship with Trump. Meloni emphasized that the use of American military bases in Italy is governed by agreements that she must follow as Prime Minister. She added: “Italy remains a sovereign nation.” Meloni also rejected Trump’s claim that she had asked for a photo, calling it “completely fabricated” and expressing bewilderment at his behavior toward US allies.

Diplomatic Fallout and Broader Tensions

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the United States in response to what he called Trump’s “severe and insulting” remarks. The relationship between Meloni and Trump has deteriorated significantly since January, when she criticized his verbal attacks on Pope Leo XIV as unacceptable. Meloni previously distanced herself from Trump over his tariff announcements and his Greenland conflict rhetoric. Once viewed as a bridge between Europe and the United States, Meloni now faces open hostility from the American president.

The Core Dispute: Military Support and Base Access

The conflict centers on Italy’s refusal to participate in US military operations against Iran and to provide runway access for American aircraft. Trump argued that the US spends hundreds of billions of dollars annually protecting Italy and other NATO allies. Meloni countered that military base agreements bind her government and that Italy has honored all commitments. She stated that her decision reflects Italy’s national interests and her constitutional duty as Prime Minister, not personal calculations about popularity.

Final Thoughts

Meloni has firmly rejected Trump’s attacks, asserting Italy’s right to make independent foreign policy decisions. The public dispute signals a complete breakdown in what was once a close political alliance, with real consequences for US-Italy diplomatic relations.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.