Trump slams Meloni for blocking US military access during Iran war
US President Donald Trump on Saturday intensified his criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming Rome refused access to Italian airbases during the war with Iran and alleging she repeatedly sought a photograph at the G7 summit to boost her domestic standing.
Trump's accusations
US President Donald Trump on Saturday intensified his criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, asserting that Rome refused to allow American forces to use Italian airfields during military operations against Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated, "She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience."
Trump further alleged that Italy turned its back on Washington despite receiving "hundreds of billions of dollars" in security support for its "so-called" allies. He also claimed Meloni sought a photograph with him at the G7 summit in France to boost her domestic standing. "No thanks," he wrote, according to Anadolu Agency.
Meloni's denial
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni swiftly rejected the allegations, describing them as "completely made up" in a video posted to social media. "I am frankly stunned," she said, adding that the accusations bore no relation to the events that transpired during the conflict.
Diplomatic fallout
The escalating friction prompted Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a planned visit to Washington, calling the US president's comments "serious and offensive." The dispute highlights growing tensions between the transatlantic allies over NATO logistics and basing rights during the war with Tehran.
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