Arabic version: ترامب ينتقد ميلوني لعدم دعمها في الصراع الإيراني
United States President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning her commitment to the ongoing war on Iran. In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed disappointment in Meloni, stating, “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” as reported by Al Jazeera.
Trump’s remarks come in the wake of Meloni’s condemnation of his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, who has been vocal in calling for an end to the conflict in the Middle East. Trump stated that Meloni’s stance is unacceptable, citing the threat posed by Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities. He indicated that their relationship has deteriorated, noting, “She doesn’t help us with NATO. She doesn’t want to help get rid of a nuclear-weaponed Iran. Very sad … She’s much different than I thought.”
The president also criticized the NATO alliance, labeling it a “paper tiger” and suggesting that European nations, including Italy, are not sufficiently committed to defending vital energy routes such as the Hormuz Strait. Trump declared, “Immigration is killing Italy and all of Europe,” further emphasizing his discontent with Meloni’s leadership.
In response to Trump’s comments, Meloni received support from both allies and political adversaries. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to Western unity and its alliance with the United States, while also highlighting Meloni’s willingness to express her opinions candidly. Meanwhile, Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, criticized Trump’s disrespectful remarks, asserting that Italy’s constitution rejects war.
In this political turmoil, Italy has decided to suspend a defense agreement with Israel, which involves military equipment exchanges. Meloni announced this decision, citing the current situation and recent incidents involving Israeli forces and Italian peacekeepers in Lebanon as contributing factors to the suspension.
