Israel Ambassador to the Vatican: We are avoiding World War

Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, defended the recent attacks of his country against the nuclear and ballistic missile programs of Iran, ensuring that with this Israel is “avoiding a third World War.”

In an interview granted June 19 to Ewtn NewsSideman said that Israel’s attacks reached “last minute”, noting that there was no other option than destroying Iran’s arms capabilities to protect themselves.

“We are avoiding greater climbing by depriving the most dangerous regime in the world of the most lethal weapon that exists. If we do not eliminate the nuclear program, he will eliminate us,” he said in dialogue with the Colm Flynn correspondent.

According to the ambassador, Iran’s nuclear and missile programs have advanced at “unimaginable” levels, including 60% uranium enrichment – sufficient for nine nuclear pumps – and the production of 300 monthly ballistic missiles. He also cited the International Atomic Energy Agency (OIEA), which has indicated that they will seriously breach the established limits for peaceful purposes.

Asked about the outcome of the conflict, Sideman said: “In one way or another, military or voluntarily, it will end the elimination or at least a great reduction in the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile program.”

He also recalled that Iran is the only UN member country that has repeatedly threatened to eliminate another state, and that in the last year he has launched 400 rockets and drones towards Israel without provocation.

Message to the Iranians: “Our fight is not against you”

However, the ambassador sent a message to the Iranian people: “Our struggle is not against you. We deeply respect the Iranian people and regret your suffering,” attributing it to the “brutal regime that has taken them as hostages.”

Sideman expressed his desire that the conflict leads to a restoration of cordial relations prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979, remembering that Iran welcomed Jews persecuted by the Nazis during World War II.

The Pope reiterates his call to dialogue

For his part, Pope Leo XIV his call to peace amid conflicts in Gaza and Iran: “I renew my urgent call to seek peace, avoid at all costs the use of weapons and opt for dialogue through diplomatic instruments,” he said, regretting the death of “many innocent.”

Sideman said he has not yet talked to the Pope, except for a brief meeting before the current conflict, where he invited him to visit Israel. In addition, he said that one of his priorities as an ambassador is to work with the Holy See to facilitate the release of the 53 hostages that have been kidnapped by Hamas for 622 days.

On Gaza, he said: “The suffering will end the day that Hamas ceases to exist as a military and government force. That day, and when our hostages return, there will be no need for military presence in Gaza.” And he concluded: “We want peace. Even a cold peace is better than war.”

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.