Trump-Meloni clash and Iran brinkmanship roil world stage
A public spat between Trump and Meloni underscores fraying Western unity as Iran tests the US deal.
Trump-Meloni clash and Iran brinkmanship roil world stage — Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, speaking at the Kiel Security Conference, presented an analysis of Kremlin methods to undermine Western unity. [^1] His remarks came as a very public transatlantic rift opened: US President Donald Trump harshly attacked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Truth Social, accusing her of refusing to allow the use of American runways against Iran. [^2] Meloni responded with a sharp counterattack, calling his words "completely fabricated" and emphasizing that Italy does not beg. [^2] The exchange, reported by c14 and others, suggests that the US-Iran deal is straining relations with key allies even as Washington prepares for technical talks. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced today that they are no longer bound by navigation agreements in the Strait of Hormuz. [^3] This declaration, covered by multiple outlets including felesteen and timesofisrael, directly challenges the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding that Trump insists represents Tehran's "unconditional surrender." [^4] US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins countered that Iran does not control the strait, noting that 55 commercial ships passed through during the weekend, carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil. [^3] The first technical talks between the US and Iran are set to begin tomorrow in Bürgenstock, with Vice President JD Vance departing for Switzerland. [^5] IDF encircles Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz — The IDF is encircling dozens of Hezbollah terrorists holed up in tunnels in the village of Tibnine in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli security sources.[^1] The operation comes as Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, a dramatic escalation that CENTCOM reported saw 55 merchant ships cross the strait earlier.[^2] Hezbollah denied Israeli claims of besieging its fighters in the Ali al-Taher Heights, a statement issued Saturday evening that contrasts with the IDF's narrative of reshaping the contact line by seizing key positions threatening Nabatieh and the Tyre Valley.[^3] Israeli Ambassador to the US