Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is attempting to turn a recent public clash with US President Donald Trump into diplomatic leverage during her first bilateral summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The meeting in Antibes comes as Meloni seeks to reposition Italy’s standing in Europe following what she described as a public rebuke from Washington.
Multiple wire services reported that Meloni emphasized Italy’s independent foreign policy during the summit, stating that "Italy never begs.
The friction stems from Trump’s recent criticism of Rome’s stance on Iran’s nuclear program, accusing the Italian government of failing to provide adequate support against the threat.
Meloni, previously viewed as a key European ally of the US administration, is now navigating a more complex transatlantic relationship.
Multiple wire services reported that Meloni emphasized Italy’s independent foreign policy during the summit, stating that "Italy never begs." The remarks signal a shift in Rome’s diplomatic posture as it seeks to balance relations between Washington and European partners.
The development adds another layer to ongoing tensions between the US and European allies over Iran policy.