Trump lauds Meloni’s support as Italy signals role in U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran

March 8 – U.S. President Donald Trump praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and said she was willing to assist the United States and Israel in their war with Iran, according to comments he made in a telephone interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published on Sunday.

Speaking to the newspaper on Saturday, Trump described Meloni as “a great leader” and said Italy was doing what it could to help in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. “She always tries to help, she is an excellent leader and she is a friend of mine,” Trump said, according to the report.Italy signals support roleItaly has taken steps in recent days indicating a possible role in regional security efforts linked to the conflict.

Meloni said on Thursday that Rome was planning to send air-defence assistance to Gulf countries facing Iranian air strikes.The move reflects broader European concerns about the security implications of escalating hostilities in the Middle East.Naval deployment near eastern MediterraneanSeparately, an Italian navy vessel is preparing to sail to Cyprus, an Italian navy spokesperson said on Friday. The deployment is part of a joint European mission intended to help protect the island after it came under Iranian fire.The operation underscores growing military coordination among European countries as regional tensions intensify.

Diplomatic alignment with WashingtonTrump’s remarks highlight the close political relationship between Washington and Rome under Meloni’s leadership. Italy, a NATO member and a key European Union economy, has maintained strong security ties with the United States.Italian officials have not detailed the full scope of their potential involvement, but recent defence measures suggest Rome is positioning itself to support regional security initiatives connected to the conflict.