Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday accused NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte of giving a misleading account of Italy's role during the recent Iran conflict after he suggested Rome had provided major support to US-Israeli military operations.
The controversy erupted after Rutte told Fox News that Italy had played a key role by allowing around 500 US military aircraft to use Italian bases during the conflict. The remarks triggered criticism from opposition parties, which accused Meloni of contradicting her government's earlier insistence that Italy had stayed out of the war.
Responding to the criticism, Meloni said Rutte's comments created the false impression that Italian territory had been used for direct attacks against Iran. She reiterated that Rome had authorised only logistical and technical operations at US military facilities.
Speaking during a Franco-Italian summit in southern France, Meloni said the NATO chief had blurred important distinctions in an effort to showcase allied support.
"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.
Meloni firmly rejected suggestions that Italy had joined military operations against Tehran.
"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 US president keeps reiterating very often," she said.
She added that she did not know why Rutte had provided what she described as an "oversimplified account" of Italy's role.
"Probably it was an attempt to prepare in the best way for the next NATO summit, but, in any case, I think one needs to be cautious when talking about these matters," Meloni said.
A NATO spokesperson later clarified that Rutte had been referring to logistical and technical support provided under existing bilateral agreements and had not suggested that Italy directly participated in military strikes against Iran.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also discussed the issue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to Meloni, Iranian authorities understood that a misunderstanding had occurred.
Meloni's remarks appeared to reference repeated criticism from US President Donald Trumpover Italy's position during the Iran conflict.
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly accused European allies of failing to support Washington's efforts to pressure Iran and prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. He has also criticised countries that declined to become directly involved in military or logistical operations linked to the standoff with Tehran.
Trump recently widened his criticism beyond Meloni and questioned Italy's role within NATO, arguing that America's allies were unwilling to support Washington when it mattered most.
"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 social media post.
Trump's criticism reflects a frustration he has repeatedly expressed toward NATO members, whom he accuses of relying heavily on American military power while contributing too little themselves.
Earlier, Trump accused Meloni of refusing to allow the United States access to Italian landing strips and runways during the conflict.
"She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the US contributes hundreds of billions of dollars a year to protect Italy, and other 'so-called' NATO allies," Trump had said.
The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of a recent public spat between Trump and Meloni following the G7 summit in France.
Trump claimed the Italian prime minister repeatedly sought photographs with him during the gathering.
"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G7 meeting in France," Trump said. He also claimed that Meloni was facing declining support domestically and suggested that her position on Iran had contributed to her political difficulties.
Meloni dismissed the allegations as entirely fabricated.
"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.
Responding to further criticism from Trump, Meloni rejected any suggestion that her political standing depended on her ties with Washington.
"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.
"My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done," she added.
