Tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni escalated following the recent G7 summit in France, with both leaders exchanging public criticisms over their interactions and Italy’s position on the conflict involving Iran.

Trump alleged that Meloni “begged” repeatedly for a photo opportunity with him during the summit. Speaking to an Italian television network, the U.S. president claimed he reluctantly agreed to the photograph out of pity. He further suggested Meloni’s insistence on the picture was a political move motivated by her declining popularity in Italy. Trump also criticized Meloni’s refusal to support the U.S. in its military efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, referencing Italy’s denial of refueling access to U.S. military aircraft in Sicily during operations directed toward the Middle East.

Meloni strongly denied Trump’s account, describing the claims as “completely fabricated” and asserting that neither she nor Italy would resort to begging. In a video response, she expressed surprise at Trump’s remarks and condemned what she characterized as “constant, unprovoked attacks,” warning the former president to focus on his own standing rather than hers. She also noted that her alliance with Trump had done little to boost her popularity and questioned why he would direct such behavior toward an ally.

The disagreement prompted a broader political response in Italy, with the country’s foreign minister canceling a planned trip to Miami in reaction to the controversy. Meloni, who leads a right-wing coalition and had once been regarded as one of Trump’s closest European allies, had appeared to be moving toward reconciliation with the former president prior to the G7, following a previous falling out in April. Their recent face-to-face conversations had suggested a possible thaw in relations, but Trump’s latest statements indicate otherwise.

Trump continued to assert on social media platform Truth Social that Meloni sought the photo multiple times and linked her political difficulties at home to her refusal to support U.S. policy efforts regarding Iran. He also suggested she sought to mend ties only after what he described as a U.S. military victory over Iran, comments that Meloni dismissed as unhelpful and misleading.

The dispute underscores ongoing strains between the two leaders and highlights diverging stances within the Western alliance on international military interventions and political alliances.