Trump has sharply criticized Italy on Truth Social, accusing the country of refusing to get involved in the Iran nuclear threat despite decades of U.S. defense spending on NATO. Trump stated that Italy was not there to defend the United States and the rest of the world when tested, marking a pointed rebuke of Italy's stance on one of the most pressing geopolitical security issues.

Trump's Criticism of Italy on Truth Social

Trump's remarks were directed specifically at Italy's refusal to engage on the Iran nuclear threat, framing the country's absence as a failure of collective defense responsibility. The statement highlighted what Trump characterized as a lack of reciprocity from Italy, given the substantial U.S. investment in NATO over decades.

The remarks underscore growing tensions over burden-sharing within NATO and the expectations placed on allied nations to contribute to collective security efforts, particularly in response to threats such as Iran's nuclear program.

US–Iranian talks were thrown into doubt after President Donald Trump threatened to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and launch fresh strikes against Iran over Hezbollah’s actions in Lebanon. The Iranian delegation left the negotiation venue in protest against Trump’s threats, according to reports from Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency. However, Bloomberg reported that talks were still ongoing in Switzerland, citing people familiar with the matter who stated negotiators remained engaged.

Trump warned Iran on Sunday that the US might start collecting tolls if there is no deal, stating the country would seize control of the vital shipping route. "We may take over the strait, if we have to," Trump told Fox News. "If they don’t make a deal, we’ll collect tolls." In response, the Iranian delegation lodged a protest with the US delegation, and Press TV reported that Iran would weigh options for an appropriate response.

Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi participated in the first high-level meetings of US, Iranian, Qatari and Pakistani representatives. Vance stated the goal of the ongoing diplomacy is to "transform the Middle East" and create "a future where everybody can work together to promote peace and prosperity for everyone." The two countries are negotiating a peace agreement that includes a permanent end to hostilities, the reopening of the Strait within 30 days, and a 60-day nuclear negotiating window extendable by mutual consent.

Negotiations began with a focus on the conflict in Lebanon, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program, CNN reported, citing an unidentified diplomat. A resolution to the fighting in Lebanon will be decisive for the success of the US-Iran talks, Bloomberg reported, citing an official familiar with the discussions. Iran had delayed negotiations that were meant to begin because of the ongoing fighting, according to Press TV, which cited Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.

Baghaei stated that Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have violated the interim peace deal. Iran has insisted that an interim peace deal include an end to Israeli military action in Lebanon, which has reportedly killed thousands and displaced more than one million Lebanese. Under the terms of the agreement being discussed, the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, should immediately end, Baghaei said.