G7 photo op: Neither I Nor Italy Ever Beg" — Prime Minister Meloni fires back at Trump
A G7 photo op has turned into a full-blown international spat as Italian Prime Minister Meloni fires back at Trump
US President Trump had slammed Italian PM Giorgia Meloni after she publicly sounded off, rejecting his claims that she repeatedly asked for a photo with him, calling his comments "completely made up."
Meloni said: "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg."
Donald Trump accused Meloni of wanting to be friends again after the U.S. military victory over Iran and suggesting she was trying to boost her political standing at home.
His response ended with a blunt message: "No thanks!"
“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.
"That is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation."
'In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
Meanwhile, Iranians are just coming out of American and Israeli war more stronger than ever. American allies refused to join the war against Tehran.
Iran's negotiating team led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has left Tehran for Switzerland ahead of technical talks with the United States, which Pakistan says will start on Sunday. US Vice-President JD Vance is also expected to join them in Switzerland, CNN reported citing a US official.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also part of the Iranian delegation, according to the reports by Tehran outlets.
The team also includes Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati and Ali Bagheri Kani, the deputy for international affairs at the secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Kazem Gharibabadi, a deputy foreign minister, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei and Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Boord are also accompanying the delegation.
Following Israel's continuous bombing in Lebanon, Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.
Tehran said the move was taken in response to what it called a U.S. violation of the war-ending memorandum of understanding, ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations, continued killings in southern Lebanon, and Israel's failure to withdraw from the area.
Lebanon health ministry confirmed over 4000 killed by Israeli attacks.
Iran described the closure as only the "first step" and warned that further measures could follow if the situation continues.
A G7 photo op has turned into a full-blown international spat as Italian Prime Minister Meloni fires back at Trump
US President Trump had slammed Italian PM Giorgia Meloni after she publicly sounded off, rejecting his claims that she repeatedly asked for a photo with him, calling his comments "completely made up."
Meloni said: "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg."
Donald Trump accused Meloni of wanting to be friends again after the U.S. military victory over Iran and suggesting she was trying to boost her political standing at home.
His response ended with a blunt message: "No thanks!"
“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.
"That is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation."
'In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
Meanwhile, Iranians are just coming out of American and Israeli war more stronger than ever. American allies refused to join the war against Tehran.
Iran's negotiating team led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has left Tehran for Switzerland ahead of technical talks with the United States, which Pakistan says will start on Sunday. US Vice-President JD Vance is also expected to join them in Switzerland, CNN reported citing a US official.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also part of the Iranian delegation, according to the reports by Tehran outlets.
The team also includes Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati and Ali Bagheri Kani, the deputy for international affairs at the secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Kazem Gharibabadi, a deputy foreign minister, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei and Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Boord are also accompanying the delegation.
Following Israel's continuous bombing in Lebanon, Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.
Tehran said the move was taken in response to what it called a U.S. violation of the war-ending memorandum of understanding, ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations, continued killings in southern Lebanon, and Israel's failure to withdraw from the area.
Lebanon health ministry confirmed over 4000 killed by Israeli attacks.
Iran described the closure as only the "first step" and warned that further measures could follow if the situation continues.
