Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rejected claims that Italy played a major role in the United States’ military operation against Iran. She stated that Italy did not participate in the conflict and that its military bases were only used for logistical purposes. Her remarks came after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told Fox News that nearly 500 US aircraft had flown from Italian bases as part of the ‘Epic Fury’ operation.

Speaking to reporters during a France-Italy summit in southern France, Meloni described Rutte’s comments as exaggerated and oversimplified, saying he had failed to distinguish between different types of authorized flights. She added that if Italy had truly joined the war, US President Donald Trump would not have repeatedly expressed frustration over Italy’s lack of support.

The exchange comes amid diplomatic tension between Italy and the United States over the Iran issue. Earlier, Trump accused Italy of insufficient support for the operation, prompting Italy’s foreign minister to cancel a planned visit to Washington after calling Trump’s remarks serious and offensive.