United States President Donald Trump sharply criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of lacking courage for refusing to join a potential war with Iran. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Trump said he was shocked by her stance and claimed she was not helping efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He also said they had not spoken recently and expressed disappointment in her leadership.

Trump further criticized Italy’s role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, describing the alliance as weak and accusing European countries of failing to defend key energy routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested that Italy and Europe were being harmed by immigration and were unwilling to confront security threats.

Meloni had recently condemned Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo the Fourteenth, who has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict in the Middle East. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani defended Meloni, saying she remains committed to Western unity while prioritizing Italy’s national interests. Opposition leader Elly Schlein also rebuked Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that Italy’s constitution rejects war.