Iran committed to diplomacy, president tells pope

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pope Leo XIV on Saturday that Tehran remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful solutions, noting his appreciation for the Catholic leader's moral stance on recent military aggressions against the Islamic Republic, according to state media.

Papal message

Pezeshkian said in a statement reported by the IRNA news agency that Iran "remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful solutions." He noted his appreciation for the pontiff's "moral and logical stance on the recent military aggressions against Iran," and stated that Tehran targeted US and Israeli goals "within the framework of legitimate defense." The president said the international community must "act responsibly against America's illegal actions," according to the report.

Regional conflict

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, alongside the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments. The war has now entered its third month without a diplomatic breakthrough.

Ceasefire efforts

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely, according to Iranian state media.