President Pezeshkian asks for Pope’s ‘good offices’ to help rein in Israel
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has written to Pope Francis requesting his efforts to help bring a halt to Israel’s barbarism amid the increasing risk of the outbreak of a regional war.
In the letter, Pezeshkian urged efforts to establish a ceasefire and to create opportunities for humanitarian aid to be sent to the victims.
Referring to the crimes of Israel in Gaza and their extension to Lebanon over the past year, the Iranian president said “these savage attacks are ongoing without regard for rights and international norms.”
“Genocide and widespread destruction of urban and medical infrastructure are occurring, with a significant portion of martyrs and injured being women, children, and civilians.”
It is “deeply regrettable,” the Iranian president stated, that the world witnesses such cruelty and violation of human rights in sacred lands that have been home to great prophets and messengers of peace for all humanity.
Pezeshkian said Iran has been striving to bring a ceasefire and prevent the escalation of war, as manifested by its decision to delay its response to Israel’s assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in late July.
“Following this incident, we aimed to deliver a firm response based on principles outlined in the United Nations Charter regarding legitimate territorial defense against those responsible for this crime.”
However, Pezeshkian noted, “due to persistent messages from Western leaders warning that our actions could jeopardize efforts for establishing a ceasefire, we delayed our response.”
“Nevertheless, despite our restraint, the occupying Israeli regime continued its blatant violations of the sovereign rights of regional countries by launching extensive attacks on Lebanon that are still ongoing.”
Pezeshkian urged the Pope to exert his good offices to prevent further inhumane aggressions and encourage world leaders, not least Christian nations, to contribute to this vital cause.
“Undoubtedly, this action can significantly impact alleviating victims' suffering and addressing those in distress. The Islamic Republic of Iran declares its readiness to assist in this process.”
The Iranian president also expressed hope for further expansion of Iran’s constructive engagement with the Vatican in pursuit of peace and justice worldwide.
Iran refutes US, UK accusations over Ukraine war, West Asia conflicts
Iran: ICC indictment of Netanyahu should have included 'genocide'
Diplomat discourages recourse to pressure, intimidation, confrontation against Iran
Iran further raises its oil prices for Chinese buyers: Report
Iran to launch major pressure-boosting projects in South Pars
VIDEO | Escalation amid ceasefire talks
EU's Borrell says ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders binding
VIDEO | Press TV's News Headlines
VIDEO | Massacre in Pakistan’s Parachinar sparks outrage
Iran decries US intervention in Venezuela’s internal affairs
VIDEO | IAEA's loss of opportunity to revive diplomacy after new anti-Iran resolution
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
