The Iranian regime launched another round of missiles and drones overnight, including attacks aimed at U.S. facilities in Kuwait, as President Donald Trump said he does not expect the war to last much longer and called on the Iranian people to overthrow their Islamist leaders.
Following this week’s heavy attacks on Iranian military targets, the president said Israel should not worry about escalation and warned he is prepared to launch another major attack at any time.
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From CBN:
“So far, they’ve done very little to be able to stop it. We’re going to keep it that way,” Trump stated.
Speaking earlier in the day from the Oval Office, he called on the Iranian people to rise up against their Islamist leaders.
“The regime is getting weaker and weaker by the day, and at some point they’re not going to be able to shoot so easily because I think the people aren’t going to take it,” the president remarked.
Trump also said that if it had not been for the United States, Iran would have destroyed Israel, and argued the U.S. is acting to help the Middle East, to help Israel, and to help itself, because after Iran annihilated Israel and then the Middle East, it would come after Europe and some American cities. Israel has also warned Iran against escalating the fight, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying such a move would be one of Iran’s last decisions.
Citing civilian casualties, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is calling for a return to talks. His spokesperson declared that the Secretary-General urges the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to return urgently to diplomacy, saying a comprehensive and durable settlement can be achieved only through dialogue and negotiations.
In a surprise visit to Gaza on Wednesday, Netanyahu said Israel is not backing away from the Yellow Line, insisting the nation will remain until Hamas disarms. He said Israel controls the territory, is not retreating, and is staying on the line. He added that Israel controls 60 percent of the Strip, and that this may not be the end because Israel is eliminating the terrorists who threaten it.
Israeli special forces neutralized a threat this week, confirming a daring daylight raid that captured Hamas’ internal security chief near his home and brought him back to Israel for interrogation. Netanyahu remarked that Israel would probably learn a few things, but that the nation is doing everything to reach its goal of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza. He said Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, and that the goal has been largely achieved, with work still to be completed.
In Judea and Samaria, Israel has made its first arrest following Jewish attacks on Palestinians in the town of Qusra. The Times of Israel reports a 19-year-old from a nearby Israeli community was brought in for questioning by police.
After a newly-formed defense alliance emerged between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, Israel and Greece have signed their own deal to help Athens build up its defenses amid growing regional tensions.
As tensions escalate across the Middle East, believers are reminded that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). The conflicts reshaping the region are geopolitical, but they are also deeply spiritual, and the call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem remains as urgent today as it was when the psalmist first penned it (Psalm 122:6). Whether praying for leaders, for civilians caught in the crossfire, or for those still held captive, the intercession of God’s people matters.
Let us pray for the safety of civilians on all sides of this conflict, for wisdom for President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and other world leaders navigating these decisions, and for the Iranian people as they face growing unrest and instability. Let us also pray for the hostages still held by Hamas, for their families, and for a swift and just resolution to the violence.
How are you praying about this issue? Share your prayers and scriptures in the comments below.
(Excerpt from CBN. Photo Credit: Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images).
