15.04.2026 07:20
The tension that began between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the Iran war and remarks about Pope Leo XIV has escalated with a nuclear debate. Meloni criticized Washington by reminding that the US is the only country to have used nuclear weapons in the past. Trump argued that Italy could be under threat and launched harsh words at Meloni. The mutual nuclear references further deepened the crisis between the two leaders.
A diplomatic tension is occurring between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni due to statements regarding the Iran war and Pope Leo XIV. The reciprocal harsh statements of the two leaders drew attention.
POPE STATEMENT TRIGGERED THE CRISIS
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the expressions used by Trump about Vatican State President Pope Leo XIV as "unacceptable." Trump responded to Meloni with harsh words.
The US President stated, "What's unacceptable is her, because she doesn't care whether Iran has nuclear weapons and could blow Italy up in two minutes if she had the chance."
MELONI'S "NUCLEAR" RESPONSE
Responding to Trump's words, Meloni directed criticisms towards the US over the nuclear weapons debate. Meloni said, "As far as I know, nine nations possess nuclear weapons, but only one has used them. That nation is the United States of America. Mr. Trump should de-escalate the tension. No one brandishes nuclear threats like Washington, and he should also watch his words."
TRUMP: I AM SHOCKED
Trump reacted to Meloni not supporting the US in the process initiated against Iran. Saying "I am shocked" about Meloni, Trump used the expressions, "Are people happy with her? I couldn't imagine this. I am shocked by her. I thought she was brave, but I was mistaken."
IRAN WAR DEEPENED THE TENSION
It is assessed that the tension between the two leaders stems from disagreements experienced during the war process initiated by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, which continues with a temporary ceasefire.