Missed Missiles

Three weeks, and counting.

Saturday evening, President Trump vowed to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours (today at 7:44 PM ET). Iran’s President said the Strait remains open to everyone who doesn’t “violate soil” and said Trump’s ultimatum “shows desperation.”

The Strait’s closure is linked to rising gas prices—up ~$1/gallon since the war.

Meanwhile, Iran fired two ballistic missiles at a U.S.-British base 2,500 miles away in the Indian Ocean on Friday; while ultimately unsuccessful, it suggests Iran’s missile range exceeds its self-proclaimed 1,250-mile limit. On Saturday, Iranian missiles struck eight miles from Israel's suspected nuclear arsenal—injuring 100+ people—hours after Israel reportedly struck an Iranian nuclear facility. The strikes caused the UN nuclear watchdog to urge "maximum military restraint" near nuclear sites.

PRAY WITH US
As conflict continues, we may be tempted to grow weary in prayer. But we are called to fervent prayer that depends not on the odds in the headlines, but on the character and promises of the Triune God revealed in Scripture.

Gracious Father, your image bearers and your creation are being hurt, killed, and destroyed. Come, Lord Jesus, and make right what is evil, make just what is unjust, make straight what is crooked. Holy Spirit, comfort those who are dying, give wisdom to those deciding, and bring hope to those despairing. Amen.