U.S. President Donald Trump said his relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni deteriorated after Italy declined to support the U.S. during its military campaign against Iran. Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Trump described Meloni as "a nice person" but said her government's stance on the conflict strained ties between the two leaders.

Tensions flared between Washington and Rome at the end of June when Trump claimed Meloni had "begged" him for a picture together in an effort to boost her ratings. #EuropeNews

ROME, July 6 (Reuters) - Italy's defence minister stressed the importance of good transatlantic relations on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump again goaded erstwhile ally…