Tensions have risen between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Trump criticized her for not supporting U.S. policy toward Iran and said she lacked “courage.”

In a phone interview, Trump called Meloni “unacceptable,” while also escalating criticism of Pope Leo XIV, sparking additional diplomatic friction.

The dispute comes as Meloni has begun distancing Italy from some U.S. and Israeli positions, including suspending automatic renewal of a defense cooperation agreement with Israel.

Meloni’s government cited the current Middle East situation and domestic pressure, including concerns over rising energy costs, as factors in the shift, Fox News has reported.

The spat highlights widening strains between the U.S. and European allies amid the broader Iran-related conflict.