Raphael Sacco: Israel's efforts to change the Iranian regime endanger the Middle East

Chaldean Christian leader Raphael Sako warned of the danger to the Middle East if Israel attempts to change the Iranian regime.

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, leader of the Chaldean Christians of Iraq, warned in an interview with the Vatican-affiliated Fides news network about Israel's efforts to change the Iranian regime. He described regime change as a result of foreign interference as a factor that endangers the situation in the Middle East.

Raphael Sacco said in a statement: "Regime change must be determined by the citizens of each country, and imposing a new government from outside will have dire consequences." Referring to the regime change in Iraq that occurred with the intervention and attack of the United States during the reign of Saddam Hussein, he added: "The Iraqi nation, especially the Christian community, has suffered heavy losses and is concerned that the start of a new war will destroy the current fragile peace."

The Chaldean leader also said about the current situation in Iran after the several-day war between Iran and Israel: "Recent events are very worrying and today's world has lost its international order. It is necessary for everyone to use common sense and put aside the discourse of hatred, violence, and war."

"People's lives and achievements should not be sacrificed for politics and interests. Peace is a blessing that must be earnestly protected, and this defense must become a real duty in everyone's lives."

Referring to Israel's military operations against Iran, the Iraqi Christian cardinal said: "The experience of Iraq shows that foreign intervention and attempts to weaken governments are often fruitless and harmful. The sovereignty of countries must be respected and issues resolved through dialogue and courage."

He reiterated the need for regime change by the people, and continued: "Changing the regime of a country is the responsibility of the citizens of that country, and imposing it from abroad will only worsen the situation. Twenty-two years after the fall of the regime in Iraq, real stability and security, rule of law, and full citizenship have not yet been established in the country, and problems such as corruption and sectarianism continue."

Luis Rafael also commented on the situation of Christians in Iraq: "Christians, like other Iraqis, have suffered greatly from ISIS and have been marginalized. Many of their villages are still occupied by militants and their parliamentary seats have been taken away. But despite all these challenges, Iraqi Christians still believe in the future and will continue their mission in this land."