U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not directly supporting the United States in its conflict with Iran. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump said he was disappointed in Meloni, claiming she lacked courage and questioning why she was not involved in securing Iranian oil resources. He also accused her of ignoring the threat of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The remarks came after Meloni’s right-wing government decided not to automatically renew Italy’s defense cooperation agreement with Israel, opting instead to suspend it. Tensions between the two leaders had already risen when Meloni previously condemned Trump’s negative comments about Pope Leo as unacceptable.

Analysts cited in the report said the public exchange between the long-time allies signals growing instability in international politics, particularly in U.S.–European relations. Trump’s aggressive stance toward Iran is reportedly creating pressure even among his closest allies.