US President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for refusing to help in the US war against Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, 'Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wanted to take photos with me repeatedly during the G7 meeting in France.'
Meloni, in a statement to Reuters, said Trump's claim was 'completely fabricated,' adding, 'I don't know why the US President behaves this way toward his allies; this isn't the first time.'
Airbase Use Denied
In his social media post, Trump accused Meloni of not helping the US during the intense period of the Iran war.
Writing that 'her popularity in Italy is low, probably because she refused the United States in preventing Iran from obtaining or developing nuclear weapons,' Trump said he was disappointed that Meloni did not allow US forces to use runways and airstrips in Italy.
According to a March report by The Guardian, Italy refused the use of a Sicilian airbase to US warplanes carrying weapons for the operation against Iran.
Meloni's Sharp Response
Meloni gave a lengthy response to Trump's post on Instagram on Saturday afternoon.
She wrote, '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.'
Meloni added, 'That is also what Italy does regarding American military bases in Italy. Their use is always governed by agreements that we respect 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 concern. I suggest you focus on yourself.'
Strain 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 for his foreign policy views on Iran, Meloni gave a rare public rebuke, calling the president's comments 'unacceptable'.
Meloni had insisted that Italy would not join the war before the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding halting 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.'
