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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Pope Leo XIV for his stance on the war that began with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, saying Tehran remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful solutions, Iranian state media reported Saturday.
In a message to the pope, Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for what he called the Catholic leader’s “moral and logical stance” on recent military attacks against Iran.
Pezeshkian addressed Pope Leo XIV as the “respected leader of the world’s Catholics” and said the attacks by the U.S. and Israel were directed not only against Iran but also against the rule of law and humanitarian values.
Pezeshkian opened his message by quoting verse 15 of Surah Fussilat from the Quran, according to a written statement by the Iranian presidency.
“I appreciate your moral and logical stance on the recent military attacks against Iran,” Pezeshkian said.
“The attacks by the U.S. and Israel are not only against Iran, but also against the rule of law and humanitarian values. Iran targeted the aggressors within the framework of self-defense. Iran remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful solutions. The international community is expected to act responsibly against the illegal actions of the U.S.,” he added.
Pezeshkian said the cost of U.S. and Israeli policies was dangerous for the entire international community.
In his message, Pezeshkian also addressed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said traffic conditions in the strait would return to normal after the current security situation is resolved.
“It is clear that after the current state of insecurity is resolved, traffic conditions in the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal, and Iran will implement effective and professional monitoring and control mechanisms within the framework of international law to strengthen safe passage through this strategic waterway,” Pezeshkian said.
Regional tensions have escalated since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
In response, Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.
Pope Leo XIV, who had made anti-war statements, was targeted by Trump.
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