US President Donald Trump said that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is behaving "unacceptably" and does not care whether Iran gets nuclear weapons, UNN reports with reference to DW and Corriere della Sera.
Context
The Italian Prime Minister called Trump's statements about the Pope "unacceptable." After the Pope's call to end current wars, Trump accused the pontiff of "terrible" ignorance in foreign policy matters and said that he did not want to see a person at the head of the Catholic Church who assumes the possibility of Iran having nuclear weapons. After Trump's comment, Leo XIV, in turn, made it clear that he did not intend to succumb to pressure.
Pope Leo, after criticizing Trump, said he "is not afraid" of his administration13.04.26, 12:53
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed disappointment with Meloni's position. "I am shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong," the US president said. In the same conversation, he accused the Italian government of "not helping" to ensure oil supplies amid the conflict with Iran.
Trump refuses to apologize to Pope13.04.26, 20:50
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The media notes that Trump has previously criticized allies more than once for insufficient activity in confronting Iran. Among the controversial issues are the use of military bases and participation in the mission to ensure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Giorgia Meloni initially opposed Italy's participation in the conflict and, reportedly, even refused American planes to land at a base in Sicily. Despite the current tensions, Trump and Meloni were previously considered close allies. The Italian prime minister has repeatedly tried to mediate between the EU and the Trump administration, and he himself previously called her "incredible" and "a very successful politician."