ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed skepticism regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks about potentially using military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal. During a press briefing, she suggested that these comments should not be interpreted as genuine threats, but rather as a caution directed at China and other significant global actors concerning vital national interests.
“I don’t believe that in the coming years the United States will resort to military action to annex territories of interest,” Meloni stated. She visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate last weekend and is planning to attend his inauguration. She characterized Trump’s statements as a signal to major powers, rather than any aggressive territorial claim over nations like Greenland or Panama.
Meloni highlighted the rising influence of China in both the strategically significant Panama Canal and the resource-rich territory of Greenland as the backdrop for Trump’s comments. She posited that such remarks should be seen as part of a broader strategic dialogue among the world’s leading nations.
The conference also touched on her ongoing interactions with Trump and other prominent figures like Elon Musk. While she confirmed her aspiration to attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20, she noted that she is verifying her schedule before finalizing her attendance. “If I am able, I will happily participate,” she remarked.
Trump had recently stated that he would not dismiss the use of military force regarding the Panama Canal and Greenland, asserting their significance for American national security. Analysts caution that such language could potentially encourage adversaries by implying that the U.S. endorses the use of force to alter regional borders, especially amid ongoing conflicts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s posture over Taiwan.
Meloni has maintained a firm stance in support of Ukraine, particularly since the onset of the conflict instigated by Russia. She expressed confidence that a Trump administration would continue to back Kyiv. Notably, Trump had claimed during his campaign that he could swiftly resolve the war, sparking doubts about the U.S.’s commitment to being Ukraine’s principal military supporter.
“When we talk about peace today, it is partly because Russia is currently struggling in Ukraine, and this situation is attributed not only to the bravery of the Ukrainian people but also to the backing from the West,” Meloni recounted. She believes Trump comprehends this reality well.
Meloni also reminisced about Trump’s previous term, suggesting that he had successfully utilized a deterrent diplomacy and anticipated a similar approach moving forward. “Honestly, I don’t see a retreat in his statements,” she added.
Her press conference followed a significant success for her right-wing government, marked by the return of an Italian journalist who had been detained in Iran for three weeks. The case of Cecilia Sala had become entangled with that of an Iranian engineer currently held in Italy on a U.S. warrant, further complicated by the geopolitical ramifications.
Italian sources indicated that Iran had possibly retained Sala as leverage to negotiate the release of Mohammad Abedini, who is sought by the U.S. in connection with an attack that resulted in the loss of American lives. The journalist’s release has generated speculation over the fate of Abedini, who remains incarcerated in Milan as he awaits a court hearing regarding his appeal for house arrest amid extradition proceedings.
Meloni characterized the negotiations pertaining to Sala’s release as involving complex “diplomatic triangulation” with both Iran and the U.S. She noted the involvement of American interests in these discussions, confirming that negotiations were ongoing.
The Prime Minister expressed regret that she could not discuss the Abedini matter in more detail with President Biden, who had planned to visit Rome but ultimately canceled due to emergencies in the U.S. “These discussions have been initiated and will progress,” she asserted. “It’s a complicated situation that isn’t resolved overnight.”
For now, the Abedini case is awaiting a decision from the Italian Ministry of Justice, as the situation continues to unfold.
