Bunker Busters
U.S. bombers attacked three key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend in an attempt to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. B-2 stealth bombers based in Missouri were used for the heaviest bombing, including the deployment of 14 “bunker-buster” bombs used to penetrate the underground Iranian facilities at Fordo and Natanz. Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from naval vessels were also used and struck an additional nuclear site at Isfahan.
Iran responded by firing missiles at the U.S. military base in Qatar, but soon after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a phased-in ceasefire agreement had been reached. As has become typical for such agreements, the truce proved fragile in the early stages as both countries launched strikes after the ceasefire went into effect.
In addition to the perilous military situation, Iran is threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical shipping lane for the world, particularly for oil.
Analysis and eternal perspective: How can you be an agent of peace? It is a question we’ve been grappling with for some time now, as we know it is a central part of our mandate as Jesus followers (Ps. 34:14). Carrying out that charge can be quite difficult in reality, and this story is a prime example.
Some are saying, with some merit, that the bombings in Iran are escalatory in nature and were therefore misguided.
Others are saying, with some merit, that Iran has proven its destructive intent, and preventing the regime from becoming a nuclear power advances peace.
We will not fully unravel these opposing viewpoints here, but as Jesus followers, you and I should consistently stand on some difficult and seemingly incompatible truths (these scriptural moorings should be very familiar if you are a regular reader):
- We should be doggedly determined in our pursuit of peace (Ps. 34:14).
- True peace involves a defense of the oppressed and accountability for the oppressor (Is. 1:17).
- Every life is sacred and made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27).
Focusing on these truths will not provide you with an approach and a mindset that fits neatly into a manmade political narrative. It will, however, allow you to steadily prioritize the mandates of scripture within an incredibly perilous situation.
Pray for peace. Pray for world leaders. Pray for the oppressed.
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.