Vatican City: In a pointed and urgent message, Yaron Sideman, Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See, asserted that Israel’s military actions against Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure are not driving the world toward war but actively averting a global catastrophe.
Speaking in a televised interview on June 19, Sideman told EWTN News that Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian facilities were carried out in the “eleventh hour,” with the aim of eliminating a growing existential threat. “We are not triggering World War III we are preventing it,” he said.
Sideman painted a stark picture of Iran’s current military trajectory, noting that the country has enriched uranium to 60% purity, just below weapons-grade, enough to produce nine nuclear bombs. He also cited intelligence pointing to Iran manufacturing up to 300 ballistic missiles each month, designed to deliver such warheads.
“If we don’t dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” Sideman warned, “they will eventually dismantle us.”
According to the ambassador, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already flagged Iran for serious noncompliance, stating that its enrichment levels far exceed those needed for peaceful energy production the explanation Tehran continues to offer for its activities.
Sideman emphasized that Israel’s confrontation is not with the Iranian people, but with what he described as a “hostage-taking regime”. “We have great admiration and respect for the people of Iran,” he said, adding that many Iranians themselves are victims of oppression.
Reflecting on the historic friendship between Israel and Iran prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Sideman expressed hope that peaceful relations could one day be restored. “Before 1979, we had a cordial, even friendly bond,” he said. “Iran once welcomed Jews fleeing the Nazis. The potential for peace still exists.”
While Sideman has yet to hold a formal meeting with Pope Leo XIV, he noted a brief exchange prior to the current escalation in which he invited the pontiff to visit Israel. He stressed the importance of cooperation with the Vatican, especially in advocating for the release of 53 Israeli hostages held by Hamas for over 620 days.
Regarding Gaza, Sideman reiterated Israel’s stance: “The moment Hamas ceases to be a military and governing force, and our people return home, the suffering ends for everyone.” He emphasized that Israel does not seek perpetual conflict, but will act as long as its citizens remain under threat.
“Even a cold peace,” Sideman concluded, “is preferable to the fires of war.”
From Rome, Pope Leo XIV renewed his urgent call for peace amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Speaking on Thursday, he urged leaders to pursue dialogue over arms, lamenting the toll on civilians and the loss of innocent lives in both Gaza and Iran.
“Let us choose diplomacy. Let us stop the weapons. Let us save the innocent,” the Pope said, reaffirming the Vatican’s commitment to nonviolent resolution.
As global concerns rise over the volatile state of Middle Eastern affairs, Sideman’s remarks make clear that Israel views its military actions as preemptive, not provocative, and sees its mission as preventing catastrophe not causing it.