Iran’s ambassador urges Pope to intervene over US sanctions

Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican, has formally requested the intervention of Pope Leo XIV to address the humanitarian consequences of recent United States sanctions against Iran.

Mokhtari criticized Washington’s decision to impose sanctions on 27 Iranian airlines, noting that the U.S. has threatened international airports and companies with punitive measures if they continue to provide services to these carriers. The ambassador argued that these restrictions violate international law and humanitarian norms, specifically impacting the ability of patients to access medicine and students to travel.

During a press conference with Italian journalists, Mokhtari also highlighted damage to Iranian religious and cultural landmarks, including sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, following attacks attributed to the U.S. and Israel. He called upon the Pope to utilize his moral and diplomatic authority to defend vulnerable populations affected by these policies.