Trump blasts close ally Meloni, says she’s failing US on Iran

Tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni escalated sharply as Trump publicly criticized Meloni for failing to support Washington’s efforts against Iran. In a phone interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump described Meloni as "unacceptable" and expressed shock at her lack of assistance, accusing her of relying on the U.S. to maintain global energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz while refusing to take action herself. This marks a notable shift in Trump’s tone toward Meloni, who had recently been praised by him as a "great leader." The dispute intensified after Meloni condemned Trump’s recent attacks on Pope Leo XIV, calling them "unacceptable." Trump responded by labeling Meloni "unacceptable" and criticized the pope on social media for being "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy," accusing him of siding with the "Radical Left" and undermining global security. Trump also reiterated his view that the pope lacks understanding of the situation in Iran, further deepening the rift. This public fallout comes amid Meloni’s growing distance from both Washington and Jerusalem, driven by domestic and political pressures related to the escalating Middle East conflict. Italy recently suspended the automatic renewal of a longstanding defense cooperation agreement with Israel, signaling a significant recalibration of its foreign policy amid the regional tensions. The move reflects broader unease among some U.S. allies, with reports of NATO members blocking military flights and basing requests tied to the conflict. The dispute underscores widening fractures within the Western alliance over how to address Iran and the broader Middle East crisis. It also highlights the challenges facing U.S. leadership in rallying traditional allies amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and domestic political considerations in Europe. The White House and Meloni’s office have yet to issue official responses to the escalating public disagreements.