Guido Crosetto

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's ministers downplayed U.S. President Donald Trump's public feud with her, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transatlantic relations. Trump shared a meme on Truth Social joking about needing a restraining order against Meloni, following an awkward G7 summit meeting where he claimed she 'begged' for a photo. Italian officials reiterated that government relations with the U.S. remain unaffected by Trump's comments.

Italy denies authorizing the use of its airbases for US attacks on Iran. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed this in a phone call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's earlier remarks sparked political debate in Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto reiterated that the bases are used for technical and logistical activities, not military action against Iran.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated Italy allowed 500 U.S. military aircraft to use its bases for strikes on Iran, prompting political backlash in Italy. Italian officials disputed Rutte's claims, asserting only treaty-compliant flights were permitted, while opposition figures accused the government of misleading parliament.

Italy reacted angrily to US President Donald Trump's reported comments mocking Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leading to the cancellation of a planned US visit by the foreign minister. Meloni denied the allegations, calling them 'made up,' while Trump's remarks were criticized as offensive by Italian officials.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused U.S. President Donald Trump of making 'completely made-up' claims that she 'begged' for a photo at the G7 summit. Trump's remarks contradicted Meloni's assertion that their relationship remains strong, prompting backlash from Italian officials who called his comments offensive.

Italy has decided not to fund the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) scheme, which channels contributions to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine. The country is also reconsidering participation in EU defense spending programs like NEC and SAFE, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni prioritizes domestic economic concerns over increased military expenditures.

Division within Italy's government has delayed a final decision on joining the SAFE initiative. Guido Crosetto stated uncertainty about Italy's participation.

British Defense Secretary John Healey resigned, criticizing the government's defense spending plan as insufficient. The delayed Defense Investment Plan (DIP) faces criticism for not meeting readiness needs amid rising threats. His resignation impacts the UK's GCAP fighter program with Italy and Japan.

Italy is considering rejecting €14.9 billion in EU-backed SAFE loans for defense spending, potentially forgoing about €27 billion in total rearmament aid. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is prioritizing energy cost relief over NATO defense spending targets, and is pushing the EU to allow defense spending exemptions to be used for energy security instead.

US President Donald Trump threatens to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain, citing criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Italy's defense minister Guido Crosetto denies accusations of insufficient support, particularly regarding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.