Trump Criticizes Italian PM Meloni Over Iran Stance

In Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He criticized her for not supporting the U.S. in the conflict against Iran, suggesting that discussing peace is futile under such circumstances.

During an interview with an Italian newspaper, Trump remarked, “I am surprised. I thought she had courage, but I was mistaken.” He accused Meloni of having a weak stance regarding Iran.

Trump further warned that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it could devastate Italy in just two minutes. He emphasized that discussing peace without acknowledging this threat is misguided.

Additionally, Trump raised concerns about the current state of U.S.-Italy relations, stating in an interview with a media channel that the bond between the two nations has deteriorated. He noted that countries that do not support the U.S. regarding Iran will see weakened ties.

Meanwhile, a Chinese tanker named Rich Star, which is under U.S. sanctions, failed to breach the American blockade in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The vessel had departed from the UAE's Hamriyah Port loaded with approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol.

Recent updates include:

1. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that the temporary exemption for Iranian oil sales will expire in a few days and will not be extended.

2. European nations are planning to form a significant international coalition to restore normal shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz post-war, notably excluding the U.S. from this proposed mission.

3. Canada has pledged $40 million (around 330 crore rupees) in aid to Lebanon, which will be distributed through international organizations.

4. Hezbollah claims its fighters have conducted 34 military operations in the last 24 hours, targeting Israeli settlements, troop concentrations, and military vehicles.

5. Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran could resume within the next two days.

Iran has threatened to close three critical maritime routes if the U.S. continues its naval blockade in Hormuz and its ports. Iranian Central Command Chief Ali Abdollahi stated that U.S. sanctions and attempts to jeopardize the safety of Iranian vessels and oil tankers are provocative actions. He asserted that Iran will take decisive action to protect its sovereignty and national interests. The U.S. implemented the naval blockade on Iranian ports following the failure of approximately 21 hours of talks between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed a delegation led by Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir in Tehran.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has not yet formally agreed to extend the ceasefire with Iran, according to a senior U.S. official. The option to extend the ceasefire remains open to allow more time for negotiations. The Trump administration is striving to reach a potential agreement as soon as possible.

Additionally, the timing for the second round of U.S.-Iran talks has not yet been established. According to reports, discussions are ongoing regarding various issues, including the ceasefire, and the parties are deliberating on an appropriate time to resume talks.

Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Iran with a high-level delegation to discuss the resumption of talks between the U.S. and Iran. This delegation is reportedly carrying a message from the U.S. to Iran and aims to advance the dialogue. According to Iranian state media, the second round of talks may take place in Islamabad in the coming days.

Israel has claimed to have attacked over 200 Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon within the last 24 hours, targeting military structures and launchers. Prior to these attacks, Israel warned residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate the area, stating that the actions were a response to Hezbollah's activities.

According to Lebanon's health ministry, more than 2,000 people, including children and healthcare workers, have died as a result of Israeli attacks since March 2.

Trump also mentioned that upon arriving in China, President Xi Jinping would greet him with a 'big hug.' He spoke of the positive rapport between the two nations and announced plans to visit China in a few weeks, where he expects a warm welcome from Xi Jinping.