After the NATO Summit in the Turkish capital, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed Rome’s commitment to the Alliance while stressing that Europe must develop greater autonomy in defence. “Not to do someone a favour, but to avoid depending on anyone: this is a matter of sovereignty,” she said.

The 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, hosted by Türkiye in Ankara, concluded with renewed emphasis on the Alliance’s core principles, including Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all allies.

The final declaration reiterated support for Ukraine’s efforts to defend its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Russia was identified as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security.

Following the summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a press conference addressing the main issues discussed in Ankara, including defence spending, relations with the United States, the crisis involving Iran, continued support for Ukraine and the future of the international presence in Lebanon.

Defence spending: Rome insists on strategic autonomy

Addressing NATO’s defence spending commitments, Meloni said Italy would respect its obligations within the Alliance but made clear that decisions regarding timing, implementation and priorities would remain under Rome’s authority.

The Italian leader stressed that her government intends to fulfil NATO commitments while also protecting national priorities and the interests of Italy’s defence industry.

“Europe’s time has come to ensure its own security. This is not about doing someone a favour, but about not being dependent on anyone. Therefore, it is a matter of sovereignty,” Meloni said.

Her remarks came at a sensitive moment in transatlantic relations, as the United States continues to pressure European allies to increase their contributions to collective defence.

Iran crisis: “Negotiations must remain the priority”

Speaking about tensions in the Middle East and the situation in Iran, Meloni expressed deep concern that the crisis could spread across the region.

The Italian prime minister reiterated Rome’s preference for diplomacy, arguing that military options have so far failed to produce concrete results.

“I have not lost hope in the possibility of negotiations with Iran. We must continue to insist on diplomacy,” she said.

Meloni also confirmed that Italy is prepared to help ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, while maintaining that Rome would not take part in offensive military operations against Tehran.

“We will not participate in attacks against Iran”

Asked whether Italian bases could be used for possible US military operations against Iran, Meloni repeated the government’s position:

“We have said that we will not participate in an attack against Iran; we are not participating and we will not participate.”

The statement reflects Italy’s attempt to balance its strategic partnership with Washington with its intention to avoid direct involvement in a wider regional conflict.

Italy to continue military support for Ukraine.

On Ukraine, one of the central issues of the NATO Summit, Meloni confirmed that Italy intends to continue providing military assistance to Kyiv.

She said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto is evaluating further steps, adding that support for Ukraine remains closely linked to European security.

The future of UNIFIL and Italy’s role in Lebanon

Meloni also addressed the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose current mandate is scheduled to expire in 2026.

Italy, together with France, is working on a possible new international cooperation framework for the period after the mission’s conclusion.

“We are working on the idea of a coalition for the post-UNIFIL period. We have also discussed this with President Erdoğan. There is significant interest, and we will present this proposal before the mandate expires,” Meloni said.

Meloni-Trump tensions overshadow Ankara summit

One of the most closely watched aspects of the Ankara meeting was the strained relationship between Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump.

Following a series of public disputes and social media exchanges, the two leaders did not hold a bilateral meeting during the NATO Summit.

Protocol moments at the Turkish presidential complex also attracted attention. Observers noted the distance between Meloni and Trump during official ceremonies and the family photo session, where the two leaders appeared to avoid direct interaction.

The dispute between the two politicians intensified during the G7 Summit in France, when Trump claimed that Meloni had wanted a photograph with him. The Italian prime minister rejected the accusation, saying that “Italy never begs anyone.”

Trump later continued his criticism through social media, while Meloni chose not to escalate the dispute further, stressing the importance of maintaining strategic relations between Europe and the United States.

Rome seeks to preserve ties with Washington.

The Italian government adopted a cautious approach to the dispute.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani argued that transatlantic relations are far broader than the statements of individual leaders. At the same time, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stressed that maintaining relations with the United States remains essential.

Meloni’s position reflects an effort to pursue two objectives simultaneously: preserving Italy’s commitment to the Atlantic Alliance while advocating for a stronger, more autonomous European role in security and defence.

The NATO Summit in Ankara therefore became not only a forum for discussing global threats, but also a stage for debate over the future balance between Europe and the United States.