US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said that the Pope must recognise the global threat posed by Iran, asserting that he has the right to disagree with the pontiff over the issue of nuclear weapons.

Responding to a question on his reported differences with Pope Leo XIV, Trump told the media, "No, no... I have to do what's right. The Pope has to understand that very simple: I've nothing against the Pope. The Pope made a statement, saying Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."