Former US President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for refusing to assist the US in its war against Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly wanted to take pictures with me during the G-7 meeting in France."
In a statement to Reuters, Meloni said Trump's claim was "completely fabricated," adding, "I don't know why the US President behaves this way towards allies; this is not the first time."
Air Base Use Denied
In his social media post, Trump accused Meloni of not helping the US during the intense period of the Iran war.
"Her popularity in Italy is low, probably because she refused the United States in preventing Iran from obtaining or developing nuclear weapons," Trump wrote, saying he was disappointed that Meloni did not allow US forces to use landing strips and runways in Italy.
According to a March report by The Guardian, Italy refused the use of a Sicilian air base to US warplanes carrying weapons for an operation against Iran.
Meloni's Sharp Response
Meloni posted a lengthy response to Trump's post on Instagram on Saturday afternoon.
"As for my popularity, being your friend certainly didn't help, nor does it stem from my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interests, and I have always done exactly that," she wrote.
Meloni added, "This is also what Italy has done regarding American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister."
The Italian Prime Minister concluded, "Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your business. I suggest you focus on yourself."
Tensions in Relations
Cracks in the relationship between Trump and Meloni began when Trump imposed global tariffs. Despite Meloni's attempts to secure trade relief for Italy, the US's 15% tariff on most EU imports remains in place.
In April, after Trump criticized Pope Leo over his foreign policy views on Iran, Meloni showed a rare public reaction, calling the president's comments "unacceptable."
Meloni had insisted that Italy would not participate in the war before the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to halt hostilities for 60 days.
In a speech to the Italian Senate in March, the Italian Prime Minister said, "Italy is not participating and does not intend to participate."
