Trump Criticizes Italian PM Meloni Over Iran Stance and Support for Pope

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Trump Criticizes Meloni Over Iran, Pope; Italy Suspends Defense Pact with Israel

Former US President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, expressing disappointment with her positions on Iran and her defense of Pope Leo XIV. The criticism coincided with the Italian government's announcement that it would suspend the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel.

In the interview, Trump stated he was "shocked" by Meloni's stance. He said, "I thought she had courage, but I was wrong." He further stated, "Giorgia Meloni doesn't want to help us in the war. I'm shocked."

"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."

Regarding Iran, Trump said, "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." He also asked, "Do people like the fact that your president isn't doing anything to get the oil [in Iran]?"

Trump also criticized Pope Leo XIV, stating he did not think the pontiff was "doing a very good job" and suggesting he should "stop catering to the radical left." Trump later said the Pope "doesn't understand and shouldn't be talking about war, because he has no idea what's happening."

Prime Minister Meloni described Trump's remarks about the Pope as "unacceptable." She stated she would not feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders were expected to follow political leaders.

Commenting on her broader disagreements with the Trump administration, Meloni said, "When you're friends and have allies, especially if they're strategic, you also have to have the courage to say when you disagree, which is what I do every day, because I believe this is beneficial for Europe, the United States, and the West in general." She described Washington as a "priority ally."

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote on X that Meloni "never shies away from saying what she thinks" and that on Pope Leo XIV, "she said exactly what all of us Italian citizens think."

The Italian government announced it would suspend the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel. Meloni described the decision as being made "in light of the current situation."

Background on the Agreement:

• The defense cooperation memorandum was formally signed in April 2016.
• The agreement provided a framework for military exchanges and technological collaboration.
• It had previously been renewed automatically every five years.
• Italy and Israel began expanding defense ties in 2003 through arms deals, technology sharing, and joint industrial projects.
• Meloni's decision marked the first time her government intervened directly to halt the agreement.

Italy's ambassador to Israel was summoned by Israel's foreign ministry after Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israeli air raids during a visit to Beirut. Days earlier, Tajani had summoned the Israeli ambassador after Israeli forces fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

Italy's government recently experienced defeat in a justice referendum. Some analysts suggested the referendum outcome represented a broader vote of no confidence in Meloni's leadership.

Meloni has faced criticism from segments of her electorate over her alignment with Trump and her reluctance to openly condemn Israel's actions. Political historian Lorenzo Castellani suggested Meloni is "repositioning" due to concerns that a portion of the electorate will become critical of Trump, Netanyahu, and the economic effects of the conflict with Iran.

Concerns have been raised about disruptions to global energy supplies, with the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz contributing to rising diesel prices. Italy relies heavily on oil and gas imports.

Trump has criticized other European allies, calling NATO a "paper tiger" after members ignored calls for military support in the Strait of Hormuz. He threatened consequences for countries such as Spain, including troop withdrawals, and accused allies including the UK of not "stepping up."

In a separate incident following the interview, Trump claimed in an interview with Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni "begged" him for a photo during the G7 summit.

"I and Italy never beg." — Meloni via Instagram

Meloni responded via Instagram, calling the claim "totally fabricated" and stating, "I and Italy never beg." Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to the US, calling Trump's words "grave and offensive" and stating they "offend the whole of Italy."

Trump later wrote on social media that Meloni asked "over and over" for a picture and that she "wants to be friends again" after the US conflict with Iran. Meloni responded, "President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. "