Stalls & Strikes

The U.S. and Iran are playing peace-deal ping-pong. 

Peace talks were suspended Monday after days of strikes: the U.S. hit Iranian radar and drone sites in proclaimed “self-defense” this weekend, and Israel escalated its assault on Hezbollah Monday—both of which Tehran called ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliation attempt against Uncle Sam’s forces in Kuwait was intercepted overnight Sunday.

President Trump said he “couldn’t care less” if talks paused, saying Iran’s stalling had made them “very boring,” but posted an hour later that dialogue was “continuing at a rapid pace.” POTUS later announced he brokered an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire by phone; though Netanyahu said the IDF would “continue to operate as planned.”

Added to the negotiation table: Iran’s threat to activate Houthi forces to block the Bab el-Mandeb strait—a second maritime chokepoint—should talks fail.

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PRAY WITH US
With so much hanging in the balance of these negotiations, we call upon the Spirit of the Incarnate Word to illuminate the minds of world leaders with wisdom and carve a path toward peace. 

“Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
Book of Common Prayer, Page 654