US President Donald Trump has escalated a diplomatic row with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of repeatedly seeking a photograph with him and linking the dispute to tensions over Iran and NATO.

US President Donald Trump had initially said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged" him for a picture at this week's G7 summit, but she angrily denied the claim, calling it "made up."

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “frankly stunned” and rejected the US president’s claims as “made up.”

He also linked the dispute to tensions over Iran and NATO. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Donald Trump's comments that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged for a picture" have elicited a furious response from Rome. Meloni said she was "stunned."

ROME, June 20 - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday to look after his own popularity after he accused his NATO ally of trying to boost her domestic ratings by repairing ties with Washington. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

President Donald Trump is lashing out at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni once more.