Meloni–Trump relationship strains over Iran war stance and Pope Leo XIV remarks

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faced fresh pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump criticised Meloni in Italian media. The comments followed Meloni calling Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV unacceptable. Trump also appeared angered by Italy not backing the US-Israel war on Iran. Meloni did not answer Trump’s remarks directly.

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In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Trump said, "I thought she had courage,\" and added, \"I was wrong.\" Trump also said the leaders had not spoken recently. When asked if contact happened this month, Trump replied, \"No, not in a long time.\" The dispute came after earlier strains over tariffs.

Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump ties strain over Iran war

Trump repeated the criticism on Wednesday while speaking to Fox News. Trump said, \"Shes been negative,\" and linked this to the Iran conflict. Trump added, \"Anybody that turned us down to helping with this Iran situation, we do not have the same relationship.\" The remarks suggested the personal bond had weakened.

Meloni earlier said Italy will not take part in the war. Last month, Italy also refused U.S. bombers permission to land at a key air base in Sicily. Analysts linked the widening gap to the Iran war. The rift followed an awkward Oval Office meeting a year ago. Meloni avoided confronting Trump on tariffs then.

Meloni was the only European Union leader invited to Trump’s second inauguration. Meloni was expected to use that access after Trump returned to office 15 months ago. Both leaders were seen as sharing nationalist politics. Both also held strict views on immigration. Still, Italy faced the costs of Trump’s tariffs.

Giorgia Meloni faces domestic pressure after referendum defeat

Meloni’s position at home also weakened after a referendum defeat last month. The vote became a confidence-style test of Meloni’s leadership. Nathalie Tocci, a Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe professor, said the dispute may help. \"I actually think this is a godsend for her,\" Tocci said. Tocci added Trump is widely unpopular.

Tocci said, \"Trump has become completely toxic across Europe, across much of the world, including Italy.\" Tocci also said tensions rose over time. \"Its been building up over time, not so much because she is moving away from him but because he has become increasingly unhinged,\" Tocci said. Meloni’s silence may still suit domestic needs.

Giorgia Meloni maintains US-Italy alliance amid Donald Trump criticism

Cabinet minister Adolfo Urso said the row would not shake the wider relationship. \"Italy and the United States are allied countries and maintain their relationship and alliance within international institutions, starting obviously with the Atlantic Alliance,\" Urso told Radio 24. Urso also said church teaching would not break long-standing alliances.

Mariangela Zappia, ISPI president and a former Italian ambassador to the U.S., linked Trump’s anger to wider Europe tensions. Zappia said Trump faced frustration after limited support for the Iran war. Zappia also noted Trump lost another ally. Viktor Orbán suffered electoral defeat in Hungarian elections this weekend.

Zappia argued the outburst should not be seen as lasting harm. \"Europe absolutely considers the United States its historic ally, but in some way wants to be involved in the decisions that are taken,\" Zappia said. Zappia added Trump sees limits on dividing Europe. \"Trump, on the other hand, is realising this European Union is not easy to dismantle,\" Zappia said.

Zappia described varied European responses to Trump. \"We are different, we react differently. Some are clearly anti-Trump, some are pro-Trump but in the end, destroying the European project, separating us on the things on which we see as our future, that is very difficult,\" Zappia said. The comments pointed to a shared EU stance.

Giorgia Meloni acts on energy and Israel amid Iran war fallout

After the referendum loss, Meloni sought to show action on energy security. Meloni made a two-day solo trip to three Gulf states. The aim was to support Italy’s gas and oil supply during an energy crisis. Meloni returned without formal deals. Tocci said the trip still served a public message.

\"The Gulf tour was a way to show public opinion that she was being proactive. The fact it didnt actually lead to anything is beside the point,\" Tocci said. Tocci also commented on Meloni’s Israel step. \"The Israel move substantively is rather meaningless because there is not much in this agreement but symbolically it helps because Israel has become just so unpopular in Italian public opinion,\" Tocci said.

On Tuesday, Meloni said Italy would not automatically renew a defence agreement with Israel. The decision followed warning shots that hit an Italian convoy. The convoy is part of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. Analysts said the move reflected domestic politics more than strategy. The Iran war remained a key concern.

Roberto DAlimonte, a LUISS school of government professor, predicted a tough period ahead. DAlimonte pointed to the economic effect of the Iran war. Elections are due in 2027, leaving 18 months of pressure. \"People want to see their gas bills go down, not just see Meloni talk about gas. What matters are the bills you get every month,\" DAlimonte said.

With inputs from PTI