Diplomatic strain between Washington and Rome deepens amid Iran and NATO row
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United States President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying their relationship has deteriorated over Rome’s stance on US policy toward Iran.
In comments to Fox News and Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Trump said Meloni had been “negative” and accused her of refusing to support US efforts related to the conflict with Iran. He added that countries unwilling to cooperate on the issue would see their relationships with Washington “no longer the same.”
Trump also suggested Italy’s reliance on oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz made its position inconsistent with its interests, and said he was “shocked” by Meloni’s stance, having previously described her as a strong ally.
The US president contrasted his current remarks with earlier statements in which he had praised Meloni as a “great leader” and a friend. He now said she was “no longer the same person” and questioned Italy’s willingness to cooperate on NATO-related security priorities, including nuclear deterrence policy.
Trump further criticised Meloni after she condemned his comments on Pope Leo XIV, describing her response as “unacceptable” and accusing her of failing to take a strong position on Iran.
Rome responds: alliance remains intact
In Berlin, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sought to defuse tensions, stressing that relations between Italy and the United States remain grounded in “loyalty and respect.”
He said disagreements do not undermine the NATO alliance, which he described as a long-standing pillar of Western security. Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to strengthening NATO’s European dimension and maintaining close cooperation with Washington.
He also reiterated Italy’s support for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and broader international stability.
Beyond US-Italy tensions, Tajani underscored Rome’s broader foreign policy agenda, including calls for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, renewed diplomatic engagement with China on global stability, and openness to hosting peace talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Tajani also pushed back against Trump’s characterisation of Pope Leo XIV, calling him a “man of peace” and saying criticism of the pontiff was “unacceptable.” He stressed that the Pope plays an important moral and diplomatic role in advocating for peace in global conflicts.
