Iranian president thanks Pope Leo for stance on US strikes

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked Pope Leo for his position on recent US and Israeli strikes against Iran, according to Iranian state media reports.

In a telephone call reported by Iran’s Fars news agency, Pezeshkian said the pope had adopted a “moral, logical and fair” stance on the attacks, which Tehran says were carried out under false pretences and in violation of international law.

According to the report, Pezeshkian said the strikes came at a time when talks between Tehran and Washington were ongoing.

He also criticised remarks attributed to the US president, saying comments about the possible destruction of Iran’s historical civilisation reflected a “misguided perception of power” and an “aggressive approach”.

The Iranian president said the attacks were conducted under pretexts and with Israeli support, according to state media.

Iranian media said the pope’s comments had condemned attacks carried out while diplomatic negotiations were still under way between Tehran and Washington.

There was no immediate independent confirmation of the contents of the call.