Iran-USA: Pope Francis calls for dialogue amid 'air of tension', says War only brings death and destruction

Pope Francis called for dialogue and restraint while speaking at the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican.

The pope did not mention Iran by name but spoke of a terrible air of tension that could now be felt in many parts of the world.

"I call on all sides to keep the flame of dialogue and self-restraint alight and ward off the shadow of hostility," he said.

"War only brings death and destruction."

Read: Lebanon: Crowds Gather Ahead Of Nasrallah Speech

The move by the US in the Middle East, and the killing of Iran's top General has drawn worldwide condemnation from leaders and officials who fear that tensions in the region could escalate drastically.

Read: EU Invites Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif To Brussels: Statement

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei warned that "a harsh retaliation is waiting".

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites "very hard" if Iran attacked US citizens or assets.

Read: Iran Says To Finalise New Retreat From Nuclear Deal Later Sunday

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