Meloni responds to Trump questions: “I have no regrets about anything I have done”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated in her remarks following the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held at the Presidential Complex that she is aware of the challenges facing the Alliance and that there is a will to strengthen it.

Meloni stated that Italy allocates 2.8 percent of its gross domestic product to defense and security spending, emphasizing that they will comply with their commitments within the scope of NATO, but that this will be done within a “sustainable” framework. The Italian Prime Minister expressed that they will determine the timing, methods, and priorities themselves.

In her assessment regarding European security, Meloni said, “It is time for Europe to ensure its own security on its own. This is not to do anyone a favor, but to not be dependent on anyone. Therefore, this is a matter of sovereignty.”

Addressing claims that US troops would withdraw from Europe, Meloni said that no official notification had been made to them at this stage. Regarding support for Ukraine, she conveyed that Italy is considering continuing to provide military aid and that Defense Minister Guido Crosetto is conducting an assessment on the matter.

IRAN AND TRUMP QUESTIONS

Meloni stated that she feels “great concern” regarding the crisis in Iran. The Italian Prime Minister, who said that the possibility of regional tension spreading to other areas cannot be ruled out, noted that they are ready to take the necessary steps in parliament regarding the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to a question about the tension between the US and Iran, Meloni stated that she maintains hope for the possibility of negotiations, saying, “I believe that the military option has not brought concrete results to date. I think negotiations should be insisted upon.”

Questions regarding her relationship with Trump were also among the prominent topics of the press conference. When reminded of the posts made by the US President about her and his previous remarks, Meloni replied, “I had stated that I would not return to that subject.”

When asked if she regretted the political investment she made in relations with Trump, Meloni said, “I have no regrets about anything I have done. I made the political investment with my belief in the unity of the West.” Meloni said that this approach was not a special strategy that began with Trump taking office, but a general line toward all her interlocutors.

Responding to a question about whether there was a change in Italy’s decision not to participate in attacks against Iran, Meloni said, “We do not make a decision one day and another the next. We keep our commitments like serious states. We said we would not participate in attacks against Iran, and we did not participate in the attacks.”

Meloni also said that the fact that the new round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Rome next week shows the trust placed in Italy. Reminding that the mandate of UNIFIL will end in 2026, Meloni stated that they are working with France at a technical level on the idea of a coalition for the post-mandate period and that they have also discussed the issue with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.