Iranian president thanks pope for ‘moral stance’ against US strikes
5/16/2026 1:36:59 PM
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked Pope Leo for his stance on recent US military strikes against Iran, according to a message published by Iranian state news agency Fars.
Pezeshkian said the pope had taken a “moral, logical and fair” position against the strikes, which he said were carried out under false pretences, in violation of international law, and with Israeli support.
The pope added that the strikes occurred amid ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The Iranian president also mentioned Trump and his statement on “destroying the historical civilisation of Iran and return it to the Stone Age”.
Pezeshkian called the remarks “dangerous and shameless,” stating that they stemmed from an “illusion of absolute power” and an approach based on “pride, bullying and unbridled violence”.
Pezeshkian also said that US and Israeli policies threaten not only Iran but also international law, human values and religious teachings.
Pezeshkian said the pope had taken a “moral, logical and fair” position against the strikes, which he said were carried out under false pretences, in violation of international law, and with Israeli support.
The pope added that the strikes occurred amid ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The Iranian president also mentioned Trump and his statement on “destroying the historical civilisation of Iran and return it to the Stone Age”.
Pezeshkian called the remarks “dangerous and shameless,” stating that they stemmed from an “illusion of absolute power” and an approach based on “pride, bullying and unbridled violence”.
Pezeshkian also said that US and Israeli policies threaten not only Iran but also international law, human values and religious teachings.