Trump Lashes Out at Italian PM Meloni Over Iran and Israel Policies
Former US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on one of his closest European allies, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of lacking courage for refusing to join US military actions against Iran. The verbal assault came as Meloni's government announced the suspension of its automatic defense cooperation agreement with Israel, citing the current geopolitical situation.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Between Washington and Rome
"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," Trump declared in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. "Giorgia Meloni doesn't want to help us in the war. I'm shocked. Do people like the fact that your president isn't doing anything to get the oil [in Iran]? Does she like it? I can't imagine."
The former president's comments represent a dramatic shift in his previously warm relationship with Meloni, whose political alliance and personal rapport with Trump had been openly celebrated. Just months earlier, the Italian leader had expressed hope that Trump might one day receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Defense Agreement Suspension Amid Growing Domestic Pressure
Meloni's decision to suspend the automatic renewal of Italy's defense cooperation agreement with Israel marks a significant policy shift for her far-right government. The memorandum, originally signed in April 2016, had governed military exchanges, technological collaboration, and joint industrial projects between the two nations, automatically renewing every five years until now.
"In light of the current situation," Meloni announced, her government would halt the agreement's renewal. This intervention comes after months of mounting domestic criticism over Israel's conduct and alleged violations of international law, with the Italian public showing growing unease about the conflict's economic implications.
Broader Diplomatic Fallout and European Relations
The diplomatic strain extends beyond US-Italian relations, with Trump also targeting Pope Leo in recent days. The former president suggested the pontiff wasn't "doing a very good job" and should "stop catering to the radical left." Meloni condemned these remarks as "unacceptable," stating she wouldn't feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders were expected to follow political direction.
Trump fired back: "She is the one who is unacceptable, because she doesn't care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance."
Political Repercussions for Meloni's Government
Italy's government faces increasing turbulence following its defeat in a justice referendum backed by Rome. Political analysts suggest the outcome represents less a rejection of the specific proposal than a broader vote of no confidence in Meloni's leadership.
The prime minister has faced mounting criticism from segments of her own electorate over her alignment with Trump and reluctance to openly condemn Israel's actions. Concerns have intensified in recent weeks over disruptions to global energy supplies, with the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz contributing to sharp rises in diesel prices.
Strategic Realignment and Alliance Dynamics
Despite the diplomatic friction, Meloni described Washington as a "priority ally," while emphasizing that alliances require candor. "When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree," she stated.
Political historian Lorenzo Castellani of Rome's Luiss University told Reuters that Meloni's actions represent "a repositioning. She's afraid that a sizeable portion of the electorate, even among the centre-right, will become highly critical of Trump and Netanyahu and of the effects of this war on Iran on the economy."
Broader NATO Fractures and European Support
Trump appears to be losing backing from European allies as tensions with Iran escalate, exposing fractures within NATO. The former president previously called the alliance a "paper tiger" after members ignored calls for military support in the Strait of Hormuz.
He has threatened consequences for countries including Spain, suggesting troop withdrawals, and accused allies such as the United Kingdom of not "stepping up," claiming they were "abandoning" the US. Trump added that nations unwilling to support Washington should "go get your own oil."
Italy-Israel Relations at Risk
Alongside rising tensions with Washington, relations between Italy and Israel risk deterioration following Rome's decision to suspend the defense cooperation memorandum. Italy's ambassador to Israel, Luca Ferrari, was summoned by Israel's foreign ministry after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israeli air raids causing thousands of casualties in Lebanon.
Just days earlier, Tajani had summoned the Israeli ambassador after an incident in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers, with one round landing meters from a soldier.
Meloni's decision marks the first time her government has directly intervened to halt the defense agreement, despite months of mounting criticism over Israel's conduct. Until now, the Italian prime minister had limited her response to condemning specific incidents while continuing to defend the broader framework of bilateral cooperation.
