A worldwide network of Iranian Christians has welcomed targeted strikes against Iran’s leadership by the US and Israel.
The group said that they “rejoice” within the news that Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, died in Saturday’s strikes, saying that he had led a “terrorist regime” and was liable for the deaths of countless protesters.
“Khamenei was directly liable for the recent brutal crackdown of the rebellion in Iran,” they said.
“He was also directly liable for the oppression of Christians, many of whom were forced to flee the country and several other remain in prisons with long-term prison sentences.”
They called on world leaders to support the US’s military motion against Iran and help to rebuild the country.
“Our hope and prayer is for the Islamic Republic leaders to give up to the Iranian people and permit for the secure return of the exiled Iranians within the diaspora including but not limited to Prince Reza Pahlavi and for a secure transition of power and the establishment of a democratic government where the state is separate from religion and everybody can be equal before the law; where freedom of faith will probably be guaranteed and Iran will retain its territorial boundaries,” they said.
Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, was more subdued in his response, saying, “Tragically, the cycle of violence has expanded with terrifying speed.”
He asked Christians to affix in “urgent, unceasing prayer” for Iran and other countries affected by the military motion.
“We implore God to guard the innocent – the moms, the youngsters, and the elderly – who’re caught within the crossfire of this ‘Operation Epic Fury’ and the next ‘crushing responses’,” he said.
“We pray specifically for a ‘sound mind’ for the leaders of the United States, Israel, and Iran, that they could recognize the futility of this bloodshed and switch back from the precipice of a worldwide catastrophe.”
Pope Leo has called for a return to dialogue, saying: “I’m following with deep concern what is going on within the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are usually not achieved through mutual threats, nor through using weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.”
 A global network of Iranian Christians has welcomed targeted strikes against Iran’s leadership by the US and Israel. The group said that they...){kind=link}