Escalations

The tentative U.S.-Iran peace deal got a little more tentative this weekend.

Fresh conflict began when Iran struck a commercial tanker traveling without its authorization through the Strait of Hormuz; the U.S. responded by hitting Iranian military infrastructure; then Tehran targeted U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, which saw minor damage. President Trump threatened “to militarily complete the job,” while Iran threatened a “complete halt” in peace talks, insisting Tehran alone must control the Strait.

Peace is also elusive in Lebanon, which signed a U.S.-brokered peace framework with Israel Friday… but Hezbollah (an Iran-backed terror group) rejected it Saturday.

Further north, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia and Crimea on Friday, kicking off a 40-day operation “aimed at compelling to end the war.”

PRAY WITH US
When our news feed fills with violence and chaos, we’re often pulled into a spiral of anxieties. But believers have an anchor in Jesus, whose peace pierces the darkness now and will one day shatter it completely (Romans 16:20). Come to Him in faith.

Mighty God, you are never caught by surprise or overpowered. By your overwhelming strength, work peace across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Overcome evildoers; comfort those who are mourning; protect the vulnerable; strengthen those who will rebuild; and bring order from chaos so that warring nations and their neighbors will taste and see the goodness of the One True King.

Is news of wars making you feel helpless? Pray for peace negotiations alongside TPO writers Jason and Steph in today’s 5-minute audio devotional, Praying the News.