Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAine Fox & Rebecca WhittakerMonday 06 April 2026 11:04 BSTIran warns of 'hell' across region if US and Israel escalation continuesDame Sarah Mullally, in her inaugural Easter sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury, made an urgent plea for an end to the "violence and destruction" in the Middle East and Gulf region.Speaking from Canterbury Cathedral, she called for peace, justice, and freedom for all people in the region, amidst the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran.The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and global impacts, including increased fuel prices due to a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.President Donald Trump has issued threats to Iran, demanding they "open the f***in’ Strait" or face severe consequences, including potential strikes on power plants.Dame Sarah, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, also offered prayers for people experiencing personal struggles and acknowledged the vital work of carers.In fullArchbishop of Canterbury uses first Easter sermon to pray for Middle East peaceThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in