Pope slams trump's 'unacceptable' threats against iran

Pope Leo XIII has condemned US President Donald Trump's threats to strike Iranian power plants if a deal is not reached over the Strait of Hormuz.

Vicious cycle of hostility escalates as deadline looms

Trump's ultimatum came just hours before his self-imposed deadline, sparking fears of a military escalation in the already volatile region.

iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, retaliated by warning that any US military action would be met with 'firm and harsh' responses.

The Vatican's harsh rebuke underlines the deepening international unease over Trump's aggressive posturing on the world stage.