08.07.2026 22:41
Speaking after the NATO summit in Ankara, Italian Prime Minister Meloni responded to US President Trump's remarks about her, saying 'a removal order is needed,' and addressed the crisis between them. Emphasizing that she does not regret her political moves, Meloni stated they would comply with NATO commitments but would set their own priorities. Defying Trump, who criticized her for not opening bases, the Italian leader said, 'We kept our word like serious states; we did not participate in the Iranian attacks.'
After the 36th NATO Summit hosted by the Presidential Complex, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appeared before the cameras, delivering clear messages about the Alliance's future and making striking statements regarding the global-scale crisis with U.S. President Donald Trump. Avoiding face-to-face meetings with Trump as much as possible during the summit, Meloni reiterated Italy's commitment to NATO, emphasizing independence in defense spending and military steps, while signaling that she would not back down from the tension with Trump.
"WE WILL FOLLOW OUR COMMITMENTS, BUT WE WILL DETERMINE THE METHOD"
In her press conference after the summit, Prime Minister Meloni stated that NATO is aware of challenges, united, and resolute, recalling that Italy allocates 2.8% of its gross domestic product to defense and security. Highlighting the increase in the defense budget, Meloni addressed her allies with these words:
"We want to comply with our commitments regarding defense spending, we are doing so, and we will continue. However, we will do this sustainably, determining entirely by ourselves the timing, methods, and priorities according to our own conditions. The time has come for Europe to ensure its own security independently. This is not to do anyone a favor, but rather to be dependent on no one. This is a matter of sovereignty."
Meloni also added that they have not received any official notification about the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe for now. The Italian Prime Minister stated that military aid to Ukraine would continue and that Defense Minister Guido Crosetto is conducting a new assessment on this matter.
RESPONSE TO THE "DISTANCING" CRISIS WITH TRUMP: "I AM NOT REGRETFUL"
Meloni, whose relations with Washington were strained during the operations launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28, faced Trump's accusation last month at the G7 Summit in France that she "begged for a photo." Most recently, Trump's meaningful message on social media before the Ankara Summit targeting Meloni, saying "A decision to distance is necessary," became the hottest question of the press conference.
The Italian leader sharply cut off the question about Trump's latest move, saying, "I stated that I would not return to that issue." However, when asked if she regretted her "political investment" in relations with Trump, she displayed the following firm stance:
"I regret nothing I have done. I made my political investment with my belief in the unity of the West. This is not just a strategy I adopted when Trump came to office; it is a general approach I follow with all my counterparts. Trump and I have common ground on issues like immigration and 'woke' culture. Events may unfold as we see now, but I do not change my mind."
"LIKE SERIOUS STATES, WE KEPT OUR WORD, WE DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ATTACKS ON IRAN"
Responding to U.S. President Trump frequently targeting her because Italy did not open its military bases to American forces, Meloni defended Rome's consistency in foreign policy:
"We are not a country that makes a decision one day and another the next. Since the very beginning of the conflict in Iran, we had an extremely clear line. Like serious states, we adhere to our commitments. We said from the start that we would not participate in attacks on Iran, and we did not take part in those attacks."
"THE MILITARY OPTION ON IRAN DID NOT YIELD RESULTS"
Speaking also about the rising tensions in the Middle East and navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Meloni stated that they are ready to do their part for maritime security by taking the necessary legal steps in the Italian Parliament.
Expressing great concern about the crisis between the U.S. and Iran and the risk of conflicts spreading to the region, Meloni emphasized she has not given up on diplomacy: "I have not lost hope for the possibility of negotiation in Iran. I believe that the military option so far has not brought concrete results. Negotiations should be insisted upon, and Italy will continue to make efforts in this direction."