Pope Leo urges end to 'madness of war' as US, Iran start talks

Iran (ancient Persia) is explicitly named in Ezekiel 38:5 as part of the Gog/Magog coalition that will invade Israel. The Hebrew term פָּרַס (Paras) directly identifies Persia/Iran as a key player in this end-times conflict. Diplomatic talks between the US and Iran could represent efforts to prevent or delay this prophesied invasion.

The Pope's call to end the 'madness of war' reflects the ongoing fulfillment of 'wars and rumors of wars' that Jesus described as characteristic of the end times. The Greek term πόλεμος (polemos) encompasses both active conflicts and the threat of war, which diplomatic negotiations attempt to address.

Diplomatic talks between major powers could represent attempts to establish the false peace that prophecy warns will precede sudden destruction. The phrase 'Peace and Safety' (εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια) describes deceptive diplomatic solutions that temporarily mask underlying tensions before prophetic fulfillment.