Trump attacks Meloni: "Italy wasn't there for us, we won't be there for them"

Trump directed his anger at Meloni for calling the attack on the pope “unacceptable” and for not supporting the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.

Meloni declared that Italy will not participate in the war and refused authorization for U.S. bombers to land at a key base in Sicily.

According to analyst Nathalie Tocci, Trump has become “completely toxic” in Europe and the clash could be a political advantage for Meloni.

A former Italian ambassador to the U.S. says the EU remains a historic ally of Washington, but wants to be involved in decisions on the war in Iran.

The Italian Ministry of Defense denied use of the Sigonella base to U.S. bombers headed to the Middle East because the authorization was requested for planes already in flight, without time for parliamentary approval.

Palazzo Chigi reiterated that there are no “criticalities or frictions” with international partners and that relations with the U.S. remain “solid and based on full and loyal cooperation.”

Polls show strong opposition in Italy to the war and marked unpopularity of Trump, which is beginning to erode support for Meloni as well.

According to Giuseppe Conte, Italy has the “duty” to deny access to U.S. bombers and should go further by revoking logistical support to all bases involved in the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, judged “in clear violation of international law.”

“We are not at war and we do not want to enter a war,” Meloni said, calling the U.S. attack on Iran “outside the perimeter of international law.”

The Italian refusal comes against the backdrop of growing discomfort within the Meloni government over the war in Iran, with a majority of public opinion opposed.

Madrid denied use of bases and airspace to U.S. planes involved in the war in Iran, calling it “deeply illegal and deeply unjust.”

The Italian presidency of the Council denies frictions with Washington: “There are no crises or tensions… Relations with the U.S. are solid and based on full and loyal cooperation.”

There is no danger of Iranian military attacks against Italy or U.S. bases, also because they are highly protected.

I don't think Sicily is reachable: missiles have reached Crete, but I don't think they can reach Sicily.

I don't think it is in their interest. We respect international agreements.

The main U.S. bases are located at Sigonella, in Sicily, and at Aviano, in northeastern Italy.

Meloni and Zelenskyy announced that Italy and Ukraine will work together to strengthen defense cooperation, especially on drones.

Meloni calls Ukraine a leader in drones and aims at joint production in this sector.

The article emphasizes that the war with Iran gave Kyiv the opportunity to showcase its drone expertise developed in over four years of war with Russia.

The piece highlights the rupture between Trump and Meloni over Italy's refusal to authorize certain U.S. flights to the Sigonella base, noting that the relationship is no longer the same.

Donald Trump wants to assemble a military coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A move that, however, could drag Allies into war.

Trump even threatens NATO with “a very bad future” if it does not contribute to the defense of cargo ships transiting off the Iranian coasts.

Meloni: strengthen Aspides yes, but intervening in the Strait of Hormuz “would mean taking a step toward involvement” in the war.

“This is not a NATO war and has nothing to do with NATO,” reiterates the German government spokesman, ruling out intervention.

This is the third attack in less than a week: Trump goes after Italy again and seems to shelve the “special relationship” with Meloni.

“Italy wasnt't there for us, we won't be there for them!”: Trump threatens Italy for denying the Sigonella base to U.S. jets.

Meloni chooses silence with Washington and looks for a European backstop by taking part in the Voluntaryists summit in Paris on Hormuz.

For many, the premier's move is also a message to Trump: show that Europeans want to “get their hands dirty” in Hormuz without direct military intervention.

I informed the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni about the frontline situation and our air defense needs.

We agreed that our teams will define the details of an agreement on drones between our countries.

It is essential that after this war there is more security, not less, and that the interests of all nations are respected.

Italy has made a clear choice of values in favor of life and our defense; we feel this in every decision and gesture of support.

Update: Italy is interested in joint drone production with Ukraine, says Meloni.

Zelensky said Ukraine and Italy are “defining the details” of an upcoming drone agreement.

“U.S. planes cannot land: Meloni gives Trump a political slap”

News framed as a gesture by Meloni that embarrasses or offends Trump, more than a technical or procedural decision.