Very Shortly

The Iran war* is more than a month in, and President Trump says its end is near.

Addressing the nation in a primetime speech Wednesday, Trump said the U.S. will hit Iran “extremely hard” over the next two to three weeks; further strategy details were minimal. He declared that Iran’s navy is “gone,” its air force “in ruins,” and its missile capabilities “functionally destroyed.” Critics note the administration has not fully explained how the operation addresses Iran’s nuclear ambitions. 

Markets didn’t take the news well. With the Strait of Hormuz still closed and hopes for a quick resolution fading, the Nasdaq fell 1.6% and the S&P 500 dropped 1.2%. Meanwhile, crude oil prices surged nearly 11% yesterday as fears of further escalation grew.

*not technically a war. Curious what makes a war… a war? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss Kathleen, Jason, and special guest Jonathan Pokluda taking a shallow dive in TPO Explains tomorrow!

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Whether you’re critical of your government or think it’s unfairly criticized, the command for Christians is to love neighbors and enemies alike. That requires speaking about others with dignity and respect, even when we feel like they haven’t earned it.

“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way… Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.”
James 3:9–10, 13 (CSB) (read full passage)