President Donald Trump publicly rebuked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, accusing her of lacking the courage to stand with the United States against Iran.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed shock at Meloni's stance. "I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," he said, adding that she has let Washington down by refusing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked amid the ongoing conflict.

The criticism marks a sharp turn from Trump's previous praise for Meloni, whom he once called a great leader and who attended his 2025 inauguration as the only European head of government. The two right-wing leaders had cultivated close ties, but tensions have escalated over the Iran war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Trump's remarks came after Meloni defended Pope Leo XIV against the president's earlier attacks, calling them "unacceptable." She stated, "The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war."

Trump dismissed Meloni's position on Iran, claiming she does not care if the country acquires nuclear weapons, which he said could threaten Italy. He urged European allies, including Italy, to show courage and secure the vital shipping route themselves.

Italy has taken steps distancing itself from the conflict, including suspending a defense agreement and blocking military overflights related to the war. Meloni reiterated support for the pope on Tuesday, saying she stands in solidarity with him and would not feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders follow political dictates.

The public spat highlights growing rifts among Western allies over the Iran conflict, with several European nations, including France, Spain, and the UK, also restricting support. The U.S. has enforced a naval blockade on Iran, with recent strikes on Isfahan, as global energy markets face disruptions from the Hormuz closure.

White House officials declined immediate comment on the interview. Meloni's office has not yet responded directly to Trump's latest remarks.