Fact Check: Did Giorgia Meloni ask Trump to 'watch his words' over Iran threats?

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid tensions in the Middle East, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has asked President Donald Trump to ‘watch his words’ over his threats against Iran, sparking speculation and criticism of Trump.

Let us analyse the rumor and fact-check the viral claim.

Claim: Giorgia Meloni told Trump to 'watch his words'

According to the post, Meloni allegedly said, “As far as I know, nine nations possess nuclear weapons, and only one has ever used them. That nation is the United States. Mr Trump needs to tone it down. No one throws around nuclear threats like Washington does, and he should watch his words.”

The posts came after Trump, on April 14, rebuked Meloni over her unwillingness to join the war with Iran, saying that she lacked courage.

Fact Check: No such statement was made against Trump

However, there is no evidence that she made such a statement. The video attached to the posts dates to April 14 and shows her saying, translated from Italian: "What I said is what I believe, that the statements, particularly those about the pope, were unacceptable.”

"I have expressed, and I express, my solidarity with Pope Leo. Let me put it this way: frankly, I wouldn't feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders do whatever political leaders tell them to. Let's just say not in this part of the world. So I didn't agree, and I told him."

She was referencing Trump's personal attacks on Pope Leo XIV, whom the president called ‘weak’ in an April 12 Truth Social post. Multiple news outlets, including Bloomberg, published footage of the same moment with similar translations.

Giorgia Meloni stands firm against Trump's criticisms 

Responding to Trump’s criticism, Meloni defended her position, stressing that strong alliances require openness and honesty.

“When you’re friends and have allies…you also have to have the courage to say when you disagree,” she said, framing her stance as beneficial for Europe, the United States, and the wider West.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also came to Meloni’s defence, praising her willingness to speak candidly. He noted that Trump had previously described Meloni as courageous, adding that her remarks on the pope reflected the views of many Italians.