America News Agency

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto highlighted the statesmanship demonstrated by Prime Minister Meloni in defending the interests of Italy and Europe.

Emphasizing that Meloni is a leader who would not make concessions even under pressure, Crosetto said: "I cannot imagine Meloni asking anyone for a photo, even under threat. However, I can imagine how costly it has been for Trump to set aside what he said weeks ago in order to serve the interests of Italy, Europe, and the West."

Crosetto added: "I can also imagine how costly it may be for her to have rightly refrained from commenting on the U.S. President's latest lapse in tone."

Stating that such diplomatic crises damage alliance ties, Crosetto concluded with the following remarks:

"Although the term 'lapse in tone' is an implicit and undeserved compliment, what is offensive in this case is that such jokes benefit no one: neither the United States, nor Italy, nor the alliance."