Trump rebukes Pope Leo over Iran nuclear stance
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Washington: US President Donald Trump has clashed publicly with Pope Leo over Iran, insisting the Vatican leader appears to back Tehran's nuclear ambitions—a position Washington rejects outright.
The exchange unfolded on Wednesday (local time) during a White House appearance initially centred on a forthcoming UFC event on the grounds, featuring fighters such as Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira, and Ciryl Gane.
Reporters raised recent friction with the Pope ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's planned meeting with him. Trump replied: "Whether I make him happy or I don’t make him happy, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."
He accused the Pope of suggesting otherwise: "And he seemed to be saying that they can. And I say they cannot."
Trump warned that Iranian nuclear arms would destabilise the world, holding it "hostage". He stressed ongoing talks were productive, with Iran desperate for a deal, but reiterated: "They can’t have nuclear weapons, it’s very simple."
The President claimed Iran's military has been devastated, its navy of 159 ships sunk and air force obliterated. Even if conflict ceased now, he said, Tehran would need 20 years to rebuild.
Preventing Iran's nuclear programme remains Trump's top priority, with no further comment on the Vatican.
(Inputs from IANS)