Memorandum of (Mis)Understanding
U.S.-Iran peace is under review.
Yesterday, Iranian officials said they were looking over the latest U.S.-proposed framework, which includes three stages:
- Formally ending the war;
- Resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz;
- And opening a 30-day window for negotiating other issues, like Iran’s nuclear operations.
The latest peace push comes amid mixed messages about the state of the conflict. After announcing the war was “terminated” Friday—which Iran denied—President Trump said Wednesday that the conflict would end if Iran agreed to Uncle Sam’s terms; if not, “the bombing starts.” Mediator Pakistan said it “expects an agreement sooner rather than later.”
Israel-Lebanon peace has also been rocky. Wednesday, IDF launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut—the first on the capital city since the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire began. The two countries will meet in Washington next week for renewed negotiations.
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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Negotiations progress and regress, and leaders succeed and let us down—but our hope is not ultimately in presidents, policies, or even achieving earthly peace. As you pray for peace in the Middle East, keep your hope in the Lord, who alone brings lasting justice, provision, and deliverance.
“Do not trust in nobles, in a son of man, who cannot save. When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die. Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. He remains faithful forever, executing justice for the exploited and giving food to the hungry.”
Psalm 146:3-7 (CSB) (read full passage)
