Giorgia Meloni: “I was genuinely surprised, and when I said I was surprised, I was being completely sincere.

“I’ve obviously read the various interpretations that have been circulating—some involving alleged viral videos in which my behavior may have appeared somewhat assertive, regardless of the finger-pointing issue.

“I’ve also read theories suggesting that this may have been an attempt to divert attention away from the progress of negotiations with Iran and instead shift focus onto difficulties within NATO.

“As you’ve seen, in recent hours the issue has expanded beyond Italy and now involves other countries as well.

“I don’t know whether any of these explanations are true.”

I’ve already said, and I repeat, that I do not intend to keep fueling this dispute.

I believe our bilateral relationship with the United States should return to normal.