Meloni and Trump hold ‘clarification’ meeting at G7 after Iran war rift, cameras catch a lighter moment
After months of tension over Italy’s refusal to allow US use of Sigonella airbase during the Iran war, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and President Trump held a ‘clarification’ meeting on the sidelines of the G7 dinner in Évian, with sources calling it a ‘useful exchange’.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump held a private “clarification” meeting on the sidelines of the G7 leaders’ dinner in Évian-les-Bains on Monday evening, according to Italian diplomatic sources. The exchange was described as a “useful” conversation without informal banter, serving to reset a relationship strained by months of friction over the Iran war.
Clearing the air
The meeting was held during the first evening of the summit. Sources told ANSA that the two leaders focused on broader principles rather than specific issues. Meloni stressed the need for Western unity.
Western unity is absolutely necessary in this moment of great international crisis.
Both sides agreed, the sources said, and further bilateral contacts are expected throughout the two-day gathering.
The rift
The tensions date back to the US-led military campaign against Iran earlier in 2026. Trump publicly criticized Italy for refusing permission to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily for American raids. He accused Meloni of being unhelpful and remarked that she had changed. The Italian premier further angered Washington by defending Pope Leo XIV after Trump called the pontiff “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
A lighter moment
On Tuesday, at the start of a working session on the Middle East, cameras caught a more relaxed encounter. As Meloni approached Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Council President António Costa joined them and joked:
You’re friends again.
Meloni, smiling, replied:
We’ve always been friends.
Trump then made an inaudible quip to Merz, prompting Meloni to laugh and say:
Come on, Donald.
- Leaders’ dinner; Meloni and Trump hold ‘useful’ clarification meeting.
- Working session on Middle East; Costa jokes ‘You’re friends again’, Meloni replies ‘We’ve always been friends’.
Unity and next steps
Italian diplomatic sources said the Monday dinner saw no particular tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. The topic will be discussed at a Middle East lunch with Egypt, the UAE and Qatar. The US is expected to offer details on the first phase of its agreement with Iran, while Italy intends to stress freedom of navigation. The sources also noted a “substantial convergence of views” between Trump and other leaders on Ukraine. The summit continues with further opportunities for Meloni and Trump to deepen the rapprochement.
