World leaders call for restraint amid US-Iran tensions

The Pope has welcomed Iran’s new Ambassador Mohammed Taher Rabbani to the Vatican's Apostolic Palace where he presented the Pope with his credentials. He also welcomed US Ambassador Callista Gingrich.

This comes in the wake of a more than tense escalation between Iran and the US. In his "State of the World" address the Pope called on all sides to prevent more conflict in West Asia.

After the assassination of Iran’s top Lt. General, Qassem Soleimani, upon the orders of US President Donald Trump, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on US bases within Iraq. Both sides have threatened strong responses to any more provocations and world leaders are calling for de-escalation.

European countries have been critical of Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes, but they too are calling for restraint.

Trump ordered the assassination of Lt. General Qassem Soleimani without consulting Congress or US allies. In the days that followed the region exploded with scenes of grief and calls for a severe response. However the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has said that revenge is a process and that the region should focus on the long term goal of expelling US troops for good. 

ME