Donald Trump returns to raise the tone of the international conflict, directing very heavy criticism both at the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and at Pope Francis. In a phone call with Corriere della Sera, the American president defined the Prime Minister’s position on the recent controversies regarding the Vatican as “unacceptable”, accusing her of underestimating the danger represented by Tehran.
The attack against Meloni and the nuclear danger
According to Trump, the Italian Prime Minister would not understand the gravity of the Middle Eastern situation: «She doesn’t care if Iran has a nuclear weapon», declared the tycoon, adding a disturbing warning for our country: «Iran would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance».
The clash with the Pope
The US leader did not spare direct attacks on the Pontiff, stating that Pope Francis “has no idea what is happening in Iran” and that he would not understand the atomic threat posed by the regime. Trump then took things further: the Pope should not talk about war because he ignores the reality of the facts and would not understand that 42 thousand demonstrators have been killed in Iran in the last month alone.
Towards new talks: the New York Post hypothesis
Despite the fiery rhetoric, there are openings for diplomacy. In a separate interview with the New York Post, Trump revealed that talks between the United States and Iran could resume within the next two days. Although “things are moving”, the president ruled out that the next meeting could take place in Pakistan. “We have another place in mind,” concluded Trump, suggesting that a new venue for the delicate international confrontation has already been identified.