The World Council of Churches has called for an urgent halt to escalating hostilities in the Middle East following the launch of a U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Tehran.

In a statement published on its official website, the Council expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in tensions and violence. The Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the organization, warned that the “spiral of violence places millions of civilians at immediate risk,” undermines both regional and international security, and threatens to further destabilize the Middle East.

“Military confrontation and retaliatory escalation cannot deliver sustainable peace,” Pillay said, emphasizing that continued hostilities would only multiply suffering and heighten the danger of a broader conflict with unpredictable global consequences.

The Council urged an immediate cessation of military operations, the protection of civilian populations and infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law, and the swift resumption of diplomatic dialogue. It also expressed prayerful solidarity with the peoples and Christian communities of the region and appealed to political leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility.

A similar appeal for de-escalation was made by Pope Leo XIV, according to Vatican News. Addressing the faithful, the pontiff stated that stability and peace cannot be built “on mutual threats and weapons that bring death,” but only through sincere and responsible dialogue. He cautioned that further expansion of the conflict could result in a tragedy “of enormous proportions” and voiced hope that diplomacy would regain its central role.

The military operation against Iran began on February 28. According to media reports, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the strikes. Iranian authorities subsequently announced the formation of a temporary governing council and launched retaliatory attacks against Israeli targets and U.S. bases in the region. Reports indicate significant casualties on both sides.

The statements from international Christian bodies come amid mounting tensions and renewed, albeit fragile, efforts to revive negotiations—an approach religious leaders insist remains the only viable path to preventing further escalation.