Vatican urges peace amid rising tensions in Middle East

VATICAN / TEHRAN — As fears mount over a potential Iranian military response against Israel following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, in Tehran, Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reached out to newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday morning. In the phone call, Cardinal Parolin conveyed the Vatican’s strong opposition to any further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Cardinal Parolin also took the opportunity to congratulate President Pezeshkian on his recent election as head of the Islamic Republic of Iran, while expressing deep concern over the current situation in the region. He emphasized the importance of restraint, advocating for dialogue, negotiation, and peace as the only viable paths forward.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani responded to European calls for Tehran to exercise caution in its response to Israel. Kanaani criticized these calls as lacking political logic and contradicting international law, asserting that Iran does not require permission to defend its sovereignty and national security. He further stated that Tehran remains resolute in its determination to respond to Israel’s actions as it sees fit.