International Pope Leo amid Iran strikes: Stability and peace not achieved with ‘mutual threats’ or ‘weapons’ by Ashleigh Fields - 03/01/26 6:12 PM ET by Ashleigh Fields - 03/01/26 6:12 PM ET Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email NOW PLAYING Pope Leo XIV on Sunday said peace cannot be achieved through “mutual threats” or “weapons” amid strikes from the U.S. and Israel on Iran . “I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue,” the first American pope wrote in a statement on the social platform X. “Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace,” he added.  His comments come after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid a series of strikes in Iran over the weekend. One of the bombings struck a school building, causing 153 casualties, as reported by BBC .  President Trump said strikes could continue “throughout the week” depending on the situation on the ground.  Lawmakers in Washington remain divided over the strikes in Iran, with strong opposition from Democrats and support from most Republicans.  “It’s in America’s interest to make sure that Iran can no longer be the largest state sponsor of terrorism,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Sunday during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “We’re close. Once the people decide what they want to do next, I don’t mind helping them, but I know what they’re not going to be allowed to do next: Regenerate the largest state sponsor of terrorism.” Add as preferred source on Google Tags Ali Khamenei Allied Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Lindsey Graham Strikes in Iran Trump administration Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email More International News See All Administration Live updates: Trump says there will ‘likely be more’ American deaths in Iran conflict; Democrats push for war powers vote by The Hill Staff 6 minutes ago Administration  /  6 minutes ago