Papa Leone esorta alla pace e al disarmo nucleare mentre Trump raddoppia la pressione sull'Iran

Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged global leaders to pursue nuclear disarmament amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Speaking during a public address, the pope emphasized the urgent need for peace, stating that the ongoing conflict risks harming civilians and destabilizing the entire region. His remarks followed a series of intense military actions by the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, who has vowed to intensify efforts to neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities. President Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States would continue its campaign against Iran, asserting that the country “desperately” seeks a ceasefire but remains unwilling to halt its offensive operations. During a press briefing at the White House, Trump stated that the conflict is far from resolved and that any location linked to Iran’s nuclear program could face targeted strikes. He specifically mentioned Pickaxe Mountain, a key underground facility suspected of being tied to Iran’s nuclear activities, and claimed that recent U.S. attacks have caused irreversible damage that will take decades for Iran to recover from. In addition to targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Trump reiterated his firm stance that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. He warned that the U.S. would not allow such a scenario, emphasizing that the nation is prepared to strike “any site where they’re even thinking about nuclear.” This declaration reflects the administration’s broader strategy of using military pressure to deter Iran and force negotiations. Trump also expressed frustration over the recent loss of three American service members, blaming what he described as a failure in operational coordination, though he did not specify which parties were responsible for the security lapses. The Vatican’s call for peace comes as part of a larger effort to highlight the human toll of the conflict. In a newly released book, Pope Leo XIV argues that lasting peace requires honesty and moral clarity, rather than reliance on military might or political maneuvering. He wrote that “peace is built with truth,” noting that even those who wage war often claim to act in the name of peace. This perspective contrasts sharply with the Trump administration’s approach, which has increasingly framed the situation as a necessity for national security and the prevention of nuclear proliferation. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported Trump’s position, stating that Iran has been granted multiple chances to engage in dialogue but that the U.S. will continue its military response unless Tehran changes its course. Hegseth described the current state of affairs as a choice between negotiation and confrontation, asserting that the U.S. is ready to enforce its demands through force if necessary. He referred to the ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports as a “steel wall,” suggesting that the measure is both effective and essential to containing Iran’s influence. As the conflict continues to evolve, international observers remain divided on the best path forward. While some advocate for diplomatic engagement and de-escalation, others believe that sustained military pressure is necessary to ensure compliance with non-proliferation norms. With both sides showing little sign of backing down, the situation appears poised for further escalation, raising concerns about the potential for wider regional conflict and increased civilian suffering.