Pope Leo XIV and President Javier Milei hold opposing views on artificial intelligence and support for the war in Iran

Escalating conflict between Iran, the US, and regional powers centered on Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, military strikes across the Gulf, NATO's response, and broader diplomatic and economic fallout including sanctions, cyber warfare, and the Israel-Lebanon front. The maritime confrontation between the United States and Iran expanded alongside Iranian missile attacks elsewhere in the region. Iran said it targeted ten vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States denied that its warships were hit. Jordan said it intercepted 18 of 20 Iranian missiles directed towards a U.S. base, with the remaining two landing in unpopulated areas without reported casualties.

Pope Leo XIV began his Africa tour and, when asked about Donald Trump’s attacks on him over the Iran war, declared that he had “no fear” of the Trump administration and would keep preaching peace.