Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former U.S. President Donald Trump have exchanged sharp criticisms amid growing tensions over their respective responses to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and broader regional instability. The discord marks a notable shift in relations between the two allies, who had previously maintained a close political alignment.

On Tuesday, Trump publicly expressed disappointment with Meloni, accusing her of lacking courage for refusing to support U.S. efforts against Iran. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Trump criticized Meloni for not joining the U.S. in taking a harder line, particularly with regard to securing energy interests in the region. “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he said, adding that he could not understand why she would avoid confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Meloni, meanwhile, has taken steps signaling a more cautious approach. Her government recently announced the suspension of the automatic renewal of Italy’s defense cooperation agreement with Israel, citing concerns related to recent developments in the conflict. This agreement, first signed in 2016 and previously renewed regularly, governs military collaboration, arms deals, and technology sharing between Rome and Jerusalem. The move represents a clear departure from Italy’s past defense policies and reflects growing domestic unease.

Relations between Italy and Israel have also been strained following statements by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemning Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and incidents involving Israeli forces near Italian UN peacekeepers. Italy’s ambassador to Israel was summoned by the Israeli foreign ministry in response to such criticisms.

The diplomatic rift further widened after Trump questioned the performance of Pope Leo, urging the pontiff to stop “catering to the radical left.” Meloni condemned Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that religious leaders should not be expected to follow political directives. Trump responded with criticism of Meloni’s reluctance to address Iran’s nuclear threat, suggesting she was not adequately prioritizing Italy’s security.

Despite the tensions, Meloni described the United States as a “priority ally” but underscored the importance of honesty in such relationships. “When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree,” she stated.

Observers note that Meloni’s repositioning may be influenced by domestic pressures. Italy recently experienced the defeat of a justice referendum seen by analysts as a broader signal of public dissatisfaction with her leadership. There has been significant criticism within her own political base regarding her close ties to Trump and her handling of the conflict involving Israel and Iran. Economic concerns, particularly related to rising energy costs amid instability in the Strait of Hormuz, are also contributing to public unease.

Meanwhile, Trump’s demands for greater European military support have highlighted divisions within NATO. He has publicly criticized countries such as Spain and the United Kingdom for perceived inadequacies in backing U.S. efforts, threatening to withdraw troops from allied nations that do not increase their support.

As the conflict escalates, the growing strains between Italy, the United States, and Israel underscore the complexities facing Western alliances in an increasingly volatile Middle East environment.