'We Did Not Participate In Iran Conflict': Italy's Meloni Counters NATO Chief's Remarks On West Asia War

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 08:07 IST

Giorgia Meloni rebukes NATO chief Mark Rutte for 'oversimplifying account' of Italy's role in the Iran conflict. She suggested Rome had not participated in the war

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday rebuked NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte over what she described as an “oversimplified account" of Rome’s role in the West Asia conflict, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The controversy stems from Rutte’s remarks –– made during an interview with Fox News –– that Italy had played a major role in the Iran conflict, providing support to the U.S.-Israeli operations. 

The NATO chief suggested that Italy had allowed around 500 U.S. military aircraft to use Italian bases during the war. The statement had sparked backlash from the opposition parties in Italy, which alleged that PM Meloni had contradicted her earlier stance that Italy had no role in the conflict.

“In his — let’s call it enthusiastic — account, the secretary-general has lumped together things that are actually quite different from one another, confusing the types of authorised flights," she told reporters, according to Politico. 

Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated criticism of Italy’s role, Meloni said: “We did not participate in the conflict with Iran. By the way, if we had participated in the Iran conflict, there would be no explanation for this disappointment that the U.S. president keeps reiterating very often".

She suggested that Rutte had provided an “oversimplified account" of Italy’s role in the West Asia war. “Probably it was an attempt to prepare in the best way the next NATO summit, but, in any case, I think one needs to be cautious when talking about these matters", said the Italian PM.

However, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart clarified that Rutte had not implied that Italy had a direct role in the war but referred to logistical and technical support provided under existing bilateral agreements.

Trump’s Rift With NATO Allies

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Washington’s European allies of failing to provide support to his country during the military operations against Tehran.

Recently, Trump cast shadow over Italy’s role in NATO, and claimed that the U.S.’ ally was reluctant to support Washington when it needed them the most. He also questioned Rome over its denial to get directly involved in the war with Tehran.

“After spending Trillions of Dollars on NATO, Italy, and its Prime Minister, wouldn’t even think of becoming involved with the Islamic Republic of Iran and their very serious Nuclear Threat. For decades, we defend them but, when tested, they are not there to defend us, and the rest of the World. Not good!" Trump wrote in a post on ‘Truth Social’.

The U.S. and Iran have opened a 60-day window, paving the way for negotiations to end the war. The development followed a ceasefire between the two sides that was announced last week.

Trump Vs Meloni Ft. ‘Begging For Picture’ Claim

Meloni’s latest remarks come against the backdrop of a recent war of words between the Italian Prime Minister and U.S. President Trump. 

The two leaders met at a recent G7 Summit in France. Later, during an interview, Trump claimed Meloni had repeatedly “begged for photographs" with him during the summit.

“I felt sorry for her", he had said, suggesting Meloni had been facing declining support back at home and that her stance on Iran had contributed to her political difficulties.

The Italian Prime Minister was quick to respond to the claims. Expressing disappointment over Trump’s remarks, she said the allegations were “completely made up".

“Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don’t know why the President of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover," she said in a post on ‘X’.

Rejecting claims that her political positioning hinged on her relations with the U.S., President Meloni had said: “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you."

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