Strikes on Iran

The U.S. and Israel began “major combat operations” in Iran over the weekend. 

What happened?
The coordinated strikes began just after 9:00 am local time Saturday, targeting political and military sites across the country (see strike map). Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s compound was destroyed, and President Trump confirmed Saturday afternoon that the 86-year-old who ruled Iran for 35 years was killed, along with 48 of “the people that make all the decisions.”

At least 201 people have died, including dozens of children at an all-girls elementary school; Iran blames the U.S./Israel, while Israel attributed it to a misfired Iranian missile. 

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard retaliated with strikes on U.S. bases across the region, including in Israel, Dubai, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia; three American servicemembers were killed and five “seriously wounded.”

Was this operation expected?
Yes and no.

The U.S. had been moving warships to the region for weeks and publicly threatened strikes, but ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic resolution made the timing unexpected. The Trump administration says Operation Epic Fury aims to cripple Iran’s military, eliminate its nuclear program, and crack the door for regime change (watch President Trump’s 8-minute address).

What are people saying?
The UN Secretary General condemned the U.S./Israeli operation for “undermining international peace and security,” while European leaders largely focused their criticism on Iran’s history of oppression and "indiscriminate" retaliatory strikes.

Stateside, some Democratic lawmakers called the strikes “illegal and unconstitutional” while Republicans largely backed the operation—though some in Trump’s base say it breaks his promise of “no new wars.”

Large crowds of Iranians reportedly celebrated in the streets of Tehran Saturday night, dancing and chanting “freedom, freedom.”

PRAY WITH US
When our news feed fills with violence and chaos, we’re often swept 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. 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. Overcome evildoers; comfort those who are mourning; protect the vulnerable; strengthen those who will rebuild; and bring order from chaos so that Iran and its neighbors will taste and see the goodness of the One True King.