This time, we disagree - Meloni opposes Trump's criticism of Europe over war with Iran
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who is usually considered one of the main allies of US President Donald Trump in Europe, spoke about the statements of the American president to European countries and their position on the war with Iran.
It was reported by CNN.
"I continue to believe that, on a geopolitical level, Europe has little to gain from a divergence with the United States, but our job is above all to defend our national interests, and when we disagree, we must say so. And this time, we disagree," she told Italian broadcaster RAI.
Meloni was in Saudi Arabia to provide Italy with energy. She noted that the Italian economy is feeling the effects of the war in the Middle East and her government is determined to protect Italian families and businesses.
In addition, the Italian prime minister's comments came a few days after Italy banned a US plane headed to the Middle East from using a military base in Sicily.
Trump sharply criticized European allies for not supporting the war with Iran. In particular, he emphasized that other countries should step up patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that since many European countries are heavily dependent on this strait for oil supplies, they should also be responsible for restoring its normal functioning.
Italy and other European countries have sent air defense aid to Gulf allies, but have questioned the legality of the war.
The Political Relationship of Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump
As reported by Corriere della Sera, in March, Trump called Meloni a great leader and his friend.
"I love Italy, I think she's a great leader. ... She always tries to help, she's an excellent leader, and she's a friend of mine," Trump was quoted as saying about Meloni.
According to the analysis of The Conversation, since the beginning of Trump's presidency, Giorgia Meloni's government has been favorable to Trump. Italy, while supporting Ukraine and expressing a position in favor of Denmark on Greenland, has tried to please both sides, avoiding initiatives that could be perceived as a departure from Washington, especially due to concerns about tariffs.
Italy has remained in the background of European defense initiatives led by France and the United Kingdom, from the Coalition of the Willing to the new concept of "forward deterrence" in which France is cooperating with leading European countries, including Germany.
In February, Italy's participation as an observer in Trump's Gaza Peace Council raised many questions. At the time, the left-wing opposition expressed its dissatisfaction, and even the Vatican showed its surprise.
However, after the Israeli and US military actions against Iran, the Italian Prime Minister expressed a euphemistic distancing from the US, saying in the Chamber of Deputies that the actions of the US and Israel were outside the framework of international law.
The change in position was also later confirmed by Italy's signing, along with Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, of a letter in which they refused to send military forces to the Strait of Hormuz at Donald Trump's request.
As the Ukrainian News agency reported, earlier Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni privately told her EU colleagues that fighting Trump is a bad idea. She urged not to consider Trump "crazy or unpredictable."