Trump Rebukes Italy’s Meloni Over Her Stance from Iran, Says He’s ‘Shocked’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying he was “shocked” by her stance on Iran and energy security. The comments marked a sharp shift in relations between the longtime allies. The dispute comes after Meloni condemned Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV. Italy’s Meloni Halts Defense Pact with Israel.
Trump Meloni Clash Quick Looks
- Trump says he is “shocked” by Meloni
- Italian leader criticized Trump over Iran war
- Meloni condemned Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo
- Trump accuses Italy of relying on U.S. protection
- Dispute centers on Strait of Hormuz reopening
- White House and Italy decline comment
- Trump previously called Meloni “great leader”
- Tensions rise amid Iran war and energy crisis
- Italian public opinion of Trump declining
- Political risks grow for Meloni domestically
- Italy’s Meloni Halts Defense Pact with Israel
Deep Look: Trump Rebukes Italy’s Meloni Over Her Iran Stance, Says He’s ‘Shocked’
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, saying he was “shocked” by her stance on Iran and accusing one of his closest European allies of lacking courage.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump delivered a blunt rebuke of Meloni, marking a sharp shift in tone between the two leaders who previously shared a strong political relationship.
“I’m shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong,” Trump said, according to the Italian-language interview.
The criticism came after Meloni condemned Trump’s decision to escalate the conflict with Iran and described his weekend attack on Pope Leo XIV as “unacceptable.” Her remarks signaled growing distance between the two leaders amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Dispute Over Iran and Energy Security
Trump accused Meloni of failing to support U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route that has been disrupted during the Iran conflict.
The president suggested that Italy was relying too heavily on the United States for protection and energy security.
“They pay the highest energy costs in the world and are not even ready to fight for the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said. He added that Italy expected the United States to keep the route open.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes, and disruptions have contributed to rising energy prices globally. Italy, heavily dependent on imported energy, has been particularly vulnerable to price increases.
Trump Responds to Pope Criticism
Trump also responded to Meloni’s condemnation of his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, escalating the dispute further.
“She is the one who is unacceptable,” Trump said, accusing Meloni of not taking seriously the threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons.
He argued that Italy could face serious security risks if Iran acquired nuclear capabilities.
The exchange marks a dramatic deterioration in relations between Trump and Meloni, who previously aligned closely on issues such as immigration, security, and conservative political priorities.
Sharp Shift in Relationship
Just last month, Trump praised Meloni as “a great leader” during a previous interview. She was also the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 inauguration, underscoring their close ties.
However, the latest comments suggest growing tension as the Iran conflict reshapes global alliances.
Neither the White House nor Meloni’s office immediately commented on Trump’s remarks.
Domestic Political Implications for Meloni
The dispute may also carry domestic political consequences for the Italian prime minister. Polls indicate that approximately 66% of Italians now hold negative views of Trump.
Analysts suggest Meloni’s close relationship with Trump may have contributed to political challenges at home, including her recent defeat in a referendum on judicial reform.
The Iran conflict has also raised energy prices in Italy, increasing pressure on the government as voters face higher costs.
Growing Transatlantic Tensions
Trump’s criticism of Meloni highlights broader tensions among Western allies as the Iran conflict continues to reshape global diplomacy.
The disagreement underscores differences over military strategy, energy security, and diplomatic engagement with Iran.
Trump also noted that he and Meloni had not spoken in “a long time,” suggesting a cooling relationship between the two leaders.
With the Iran war continuing and global energy markets under pressure, the evolving relationship between Washington and Rome may influence broader European responses to the conflict.
The public dispute marks one of the most significant diplomatic rifts between Trump and a key European ally since the conflict began.
Italy’s Meloni Halts Defense Pact with Israel
ROME — Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suspended Italy’s defense cooperation agreement with Israel as she continues to distance her government from the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran that has enveloped the Middle East.
Speaking on the fringes of a wine industry event in the northern city of Verona on Tuesday, Meloni told reporters her government “has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel in consideration of the current situation.”
The 2003 deal concerns the exchange of military material and technological research between the two armed forces and automatically renews every 5 years. Human rights lawyers have urged Italy to end the agreement, citing legal and ethical concerns over Israel’s strikes in Gaza.
The move comes amid rising tensions between Italy and Israel, after Israel Defense Forces fired warning shots at an Italian peacekeeping convoy outside Beirut, Lebanon on April 8.
No troops were injured, but the Italian response was swift:
Meloni called the attack “completely unacceptable,” while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador to Rome for a third time since 2024.
The Italian government has been largely supportive of Israel over its war in Gaza and does not recognize Palestinian statehood. But the war in Iran forced the Italian leader to reposition herself.
Meloni condemned Israel for preventing Catholic leaders from celebrating a private Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday, calling it “an offense to religious freedom.” And in a speech to parliament last week, she slammed Israel for its conduct in Lebanon.
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