Italy\u2019s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is \u201cdumbfounded\u201d by remarks US President Donald Trump reportedly made in which he appeared to mock her.<\/p>\n
According to Italian TV network La7, Mr Trump said the right-wing Italian leader \u201cwanted a picture with me so badly\u201d at the G7 summit earlier this week, and that he only agreed because he \u201cfelt sorry for her\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also suggested that Ms Meloni might be \u201chappy that I talked to her, I didn\u2019t have to talk to her\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ms Meloni took to X on Friday to firmly rebut the comment and assert: \u201cNeither I nor Italy ever beg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know why the president of the United States behaves this way with his own allies,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can only say that it\u2019s a pity he doesn\u2019t show the same determination with enemies of the West, with enemies of the United States, with leaders with whom, instead, he is far more accommodating.\u201d<\/p>\n
Italy\u2019s foreign minister has since cancelled his trip to the US, due to take place Sunday and Monday, stating that: \u201cThe grave and offensive words of President Trump… offend the whole of Italy\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the first major test of the newly signed Iran peace agreement has hit an immediate hurdle as concerns over an inevitable spillover mount.<\/p>\n
Swiss officials confirmed on Friday that discussions involving the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan had been delayed, just hours after US Vice President JD Vance confirmed his trip had been cancelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed,\u201d Switzerland\u2019s foreign ministry said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSwitzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing.\u201d<\/p>\n
No new date has been announced.<\/p>\n
It comes as Donald Trump claimed that, contrary to all appearances, and indeed the substance of his agreement with Iran, he did in fact achieve his stated goal of \u201cunconditional surrender\u201d from the regime.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!\u201d Mr Trump said on day ten of the war, back in March.<\/p>\n
Today he spoke to Axios reporter Marc Caputo, who brought up that demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat have you learned about not just the exercise of power, but the limits on your power as a result of the conflict?\u201d Mr Caputo asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are no limits,\u201d was Mr Trump\u2019s answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo limits?\u201d asked Mr Caputo.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, none,\u201d said Mr Trump.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t learned that lesson yet. I know there are. But you know, there are no limits. We defeated them totally, militarily.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Caputo pointed out that, \u201cat the beginning of the conflict\u201d, Mr Trump said he \u201conly wanted unconditional surrender\u201d from the Iranians.<\/p>\n
\u201cWeeeeeeell,\u201d Mr Trump started to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe memorandum doesn\u2019t look like unconditional surrender,\u201d the journalist noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it really probably is unconditional surrender,\u201d Mr Trump claimed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is?\u201d asked Mr Caputo, somewhat incredulously.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think so,\u201d said the President.<\/p>\n
This blog is now closed.<\/p>\n