Trump-Meloni feud over? Italian PM reacts after US President calls her ‘nice person’

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni has responded after Donald Trump called her “a nice person” despite criticising Italy’s Iran stance, saying ties remain cordial even after weeks of diplomatic tension.

New Delhi: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sought to ease recent diplomatic tensions with US President Donald Trump, describing their relationship as "cordial" despite public disagreements over Italy's refusal to support US military action against Iran.

Speaking to Italian reporters on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Turkey on Tuesday (local time), Meloni said the relationship between Rome and Washington remains strong, even after a series of public exchanges between the two leaders in recent weeks.

Meloni Says Ties Remain Cordial

Meloni's remarks came shortly after Trump softened his tone while speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The US President described the Italian leader as "a nice person" but maintained that she had made a "mistake" by refusing to back Washington's position on Iran.

Trump acknowledged that the disagreement had strained their relationship but insisted he continued to hold Meloni in high regard.

"I think she's a nice person... But I think she made a mistake," Trump said, adding that Italy's decision had "soured" ties "a little bit."

Iran Stance Triggered Diplomatic Rift

The recent tension stems from Italy's decision not to participate in US military operations against Iran. Trump publicly expressed disappointment over Rome's refusal, saying he had hoped for stronger support from a NATO ally.

He also clarified that he had not placed significant pressure on Meloni to change Italy's position.

Social Media Post Fuelled Speculation

The dispute gained further attention after Trump shared a photograph of himself with Meloni on his Truth Social platform, accompanied by the caption, "RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED."

The post came after Trump had claimed Meloni "begged" him for a photograph during the G7 Summit, an allegation that the Italian Prime Minister rejected.

Italy Stresses Long-Term Partnership

Despite the recent exchanges, Meloni reiterated that the US-Italy partnership extends beyond individual leaders. She said bilateral relations are built on shared strategic interests and longstanding cooperation within NATO.

Her latest comments suggest both sides are attempting to reduce tensions while maintaining differences over key foreign policy issues, particularly concerning the conflict involving Iran.