Not there to defend us: Trump attacks Meloni, accuses Italy of failing US on Iran

The feud between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni escalated further, with Trump accusing Italy of benefiting from America while refusing to stand with Washington against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The latest broadside came just days after a bitter exchange between the two leaders following the G7 Summit in France, where Trump repeatedly claimed Meloni sought his attention and requested photographs with him. Meloni called it "completely made up".

In Truth Social post on Monday, Trump widened his criticism beyond Meloni and took aim at Italy's role within NATO, alleging that America's allies were unwilling to support Washington when it mattered most.

"After spending Trillions of Dollars on NATO, Italy, and its Prime Minister, wouldn't even think of becoming involved with the Islamic Republic of Iran and their very serious Nuclear Threat. For decades, we defend them but, when tested, they are not there to defend us, and the rest of the World. Not good!" Trump wrote.

TRUMP TURNS FIRE ON NATO ALLIES

Trump's criticism reflects a frustration he has repeatedly expressed toward NATO members, whom he accuses of relying heavily on American military power while contributing too little themselves.

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly argued that European allies failed to support Washington's efforts to pressure Iran and curb its nuclear programme. He has also criticised countries that declined to become directly involved in military or logistical operations linked to the standoff with Tehran.

The latest comments indicates Trump now sees Italy as part of that problem.

Earlier, he accused Meloni of refusing to allow the US access to Italian landing strips and runways during war with Iran.

"She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the US contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other 'so-called' Nato Allies," Trump had said.

TRUMP AND MELONI'S G7 FALLOUT

The dispute began after Trump claimed Meloni repeatedly asked for photographs with him during the G7 gathering in France.

"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France," Trump said.

He went on to claim that Meloni's domestic standing was weakening and that her position on Iran had contributed to her political troubles.

"She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America... when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon," Trump claimed.

The comments triggered a sharp response from Rome.

MELONI HITS BACK

Meloni rejected Trump's accusations as baseless and accused the US president of manufacturing a controversy. She also brushed aside his remarks about her popularity, saying it was "none of your concern" and urging Trump to focus on his own approval ratings.

"Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover," she said.

After Trump's latest attack, Meloni responded again, rejecting any claims that her political fortunes depended on her relationship with Washington.

"President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you."

"My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done."

The clash comes as the US pursues high-stakes negotiations with Iran in Switzerland under the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Trump has repeatedly demanded that Tehran curb Hezbollah's activities in Lebanon, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon nuclear weapons ambitions.

Meanwhile, he has intensified pressure on allies to align more closely with the American approach toward Iran.

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