Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday called for relations with the United States to return to normal following a public dispute with President Donald Trump that has strained ties between the two allies.

Speaking at an event in Rome, Meloni signalled a desire to move past the row that erupted last week after a series of exchanges between the two leaders.

“I don’t intend to keep fuelling this dispute,” Meloni said.

The disagreement began after Trump told an Italian television channel that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit in France. The Italian premier swiftly rejected the claim, accusing the US president of fabricating the story.

The dispute escalated further when Trump repeated the allegation on social media and accused Meloni of seeking to improve relations with Washington for domestic political gain after Italy declined to support US military action against Iran.

In response, Meloni issued one of her strongest rebukes of Trump to date, saying his “constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless” and insisting that her popularity depended on defending Italy’s national interests rather than her relationship with the US president.

“My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done,” she wrote on Instagram.

Meloni also defended Italy’s position regarding US military bases on Italian territory, saying their use was governed by long-standing agreements that would be respected but not violated.

“Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she added.

The remarks marked a significant deterioration in relations between two leaders who had previously enjoyed close ties, with Meloni often presenting herself as a bridge between Washington and European partners.

Trump later intensified his criticism, claiming Meloni was struggling politically at home and linking her stance to Italy’s refusal to allow the use of Italian airfields during the conflict with Iran.

His comments prompted a strong reaction in Rome. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to the United States, describing Trump’s remarks as “grave and offensive”.

Other senior ministers also criticised the comments, warning they risked damaging bilateral relations.

Despite the sharp exchanges, Meloni’s latest remarks suggest Rome is seeking to de-escalate tensions and restore normal diplomatic engagement with Washington.

The fallout represents one of the most public disagreements between the United States and a key Western ally in recent years and comes amid broader geopolitical tensions following the Middle East conflict.