Iran condemns Trump's Pope criticism as US ports blockade begins

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticized US President Donald Trump over his remarks against Pope Leo XIV, speaking 'on behalf of the esteemed nation of Iran.' Pezeshkian condemned Trump's comments as disrespect toward 'Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood.'

Trump attacked the Pope on Truth Social, labeling him as 'weak on crime' and 'detrimental to foreign policy.' The former US president specifically stated he doesn't want a Pope who supports Iran having nuclear weapons or criticizes US intervention in Venezuela, which he claimed was drug trafficking into America.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command has initiated a blockade of all Iranian Gulf ports and coastal regions, with operations beginning Monday. The blockade affects all vessel movements regardless of flag, according to maritime alerts. Iran denies reports of charging Indian tankers fees in the Strait of Hormuz.

With US-Iran tensions escalating through both diplomatic rhetoric and military action, how will global powers mediate this conflict that now involves religious figures and could disrupt oil supplies affecting economies worldwide?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/13/war-iran-slams-trump-over-attack-on-pope/