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The American president leaves open the possibility of moving troops from Italian bases and restores tensions with Rome over its role in the Iran crisis.
US President Donald Trump has returned to criticizing Italy and its role in the Western alliance, declaring that Rome "wasn't there when we needed it."
In an exclusive telephone conversation with Corriere della Sera, Trump avoided commenting on the movements of US troops from Germany to NATO's eastern flank, but confirmed that he is still considering the possibility of withdrawing or relocating US forces from bases in Italy.
" We are still considering it ," he said, referring to the US military presence on Italian territory.
The statements come at a delicate moment for relations between Washington and European allies, as the Trump administration is reviewing American military engagement in Europe and the Middle East.
Asked why he had shared an old article by Matteo Salvini on his "Social Truth" platform in recent days, Trump replied briefly: " Because it seemed appropriate ."
But the strongest part of the interview was about Italy and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Just a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Rome, Trump reiterated his dissatisfaction with the Italian government.
" Italy was not there when we needed it. I have always been for Italy, as has my country ," the American president declared.
When reporters reminded him that Italy could contribute ships to clear naval mines after the ceasefire with Iran, Trump interrupted the question to repeat the same critical message: " Italy was not there when we needed it ."
His statements are interpreted as a signal of pressure on European allies to take a more active role in international crises and in US-led military operations.
Trump also avoided commenting on the response letter that Iran was expected to send to Washington overnight, saying he did not want to talk "at the moment" about diplomatic developments with Tehran.
The interview comes at a time when the US administration is trying to manage tensions with Iran, while at the same time increasing pressure on NATO partners for greater military and strategic contributions.
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