'Iran Could Wipe Out Italy in 2 Minutes': Why Has Donald Trump Lashed Out at Giorgia Meloni?

Washington: Amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran, the United States has found itself abandoned by its very own allies. Western nations have explicitly stated that this war is not theirs, and several countries have even openly condemned the American and Israeli attacks on Iran. This situation has sent U.S. President Donald Trump's temper soaring.

What did Donald Trump tell Giorgia Meloni?

Over the past few days, Trump has been sharply rebuking NATO nations. Now, his anger has erupted against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The U.S. President has launched a scathing attack on Meloni regarding her statements concerning the recent conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, and the defense of Pope Leo.

In an interview with the Italian newspaper *Corriere della Sera*, Trump expressed both surprise and disappointment at Meloni's stance. He remarked, "I am surprised by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong." He further added that she is not at all the person he had imagined her to be.

What did Donald Trump say about Strait of Hormuz?

In fact, Trump is most incensed with Meloni over her refusal to assist the United States in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. In his statement, Trump asserted, "They have to pay the highest energy prices in the world, yet they are unwilling to fight for the Strait of Hormuz. They rely on Donald Trump to keep it open." Trump went on to question Italy's commitment. He asked, "Giorgia Meloni does not want to help us in the war; I am astonished. Do the people like the fact that their Prime Minister is doing absolutely nothing to secure their oil supply?"

Can Iran Wipe Out Italy in Two Minutes?

During this exchange, Trump also claimed that he has not spoken with Meloni for quite some time. While criticizing Meloni, Trump stated, "It is *she* whose attitude is unacceptable, because she seems to have no concern whatsoever regarding whether or not Iran possesses nuclear weapons; given the chance, Iran would wipe out Italy in two minutes. Meloni would no longer be the same person, and Italy would no longer be the same country."

Why is Donald Trump's statement surprising?

Trump's statement is particularly surprising because, just a month ago, he was singing Meloni's praises. Trump had described Meloni as a great leader and a close ally. Moreover, Meloni was the only European leader to attend his inauguration ceremony in January 2025. However, tensions have recently emerged between the two nations after Meloni distanced herself from the U.S. policy on Iran. Italy refused to grant permission for American fighter jets to launch attacks using airbases in Sicily. Furthermore, Italy has also criticized Trump's remarks regarding Pope Leo. Amidst all this, Meloni also suspended Italy's defense cooperation agreement with Israel on Tuesday.