U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by posting an edited photo of her on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday, writing that a restrictive order was needed. The post comes just days before both leaders are expected to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey.

The tension between Trump and Meloni has been escalating in recent weeks. Last week, Trump claimed that Meloni repeatedly asked to take photos with him during the recent G7 summit, a claim Meloni dismissed as completely fabricated. She stated that she has never bowed to anyone and believes in a united and strong West, emphasizing that strong relationships require open and direct communication.

Amid the dispute, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to Washington. Media reports indicate that the rift has deepened particularly over Italy’s reluctance to support U.S. initiatives against Iran.