War in Iran
The United States and Israel conducted a joint bombing campaign in Iran on Saturday which resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and numerous other regime leadership. After the initial wave attack, the U.S. and Israel have continued widescale attacks across Iran. According to the White House, the attacks are aimed at regime infrastructure and facilities used to develop a nuclear weapons program. U.S. President Donald Trump said the bombing campaign is likely to last 4-5 weeks.
The Iranian military responded by launching attacks across the region, including against multiple targets in Israel and several U.S. military installations. Iran is expected to select a new Supreme Leader, though the ongoing attacks complicate that likelihood, with surviving regime members in hiding. President Trump called on freedom-loving Iranians to seize this opportunity to take control and chart a new path for Iran.
Analysis and eternal perspective: War is a terrible thing. It has also been a reality since the early days of creation. Whether and when to engage in acts of war is a question that is being considered in some portion of the world at every moment of every day. The current decision by the U.S. and Israel will be met with enthusiastic supporters relieved the oppressive Khamenei reign is over, and by vocal critics leery of foreign entanglement and the possibility of regional war or worse.
Both views have merit.
The Iranian regime is responsible for mass suffering and death, including its own people. It has long been the leading state sponsor of terror and has repeatedly used violence to spread its Islamic ideology. It openly acknowledges a goal of eliminating the Jewish state of Israel and destroying the U.S. The Iranian people have suffered greatly—both economically and in terms of human rights—under the oppressive theocratic leadership. The world will not miss the regime.
Simultaneously, it is unclear where the current conflict will lead, both in Iran and beyond. It is a very open question whether the Iranian people will be able to secure a brighter and freer future, and it is equally unclear whether regional peace will be attainable in the near future. In the U.S., lawmakers are grappling with whether or not a formal declaration of war (or a war powers resolution) is needed.
As a Jesus follower, there is a lot to unpack. For today, consider the following:
1) Jesus loves you and every person on every side of this escalating violence with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).
2) God created every person, including the Iranian people who have for so long been under the thumb of oppression, with a heart inclined to freedom (Gal. 5:1).
3) Even as “wars and rumors of wars” escalate, your eternity is secure, and by standing firm in Jesus you will be saved (Matt. 24:6-13).
You may be tempted to fear in the days ahead. Choose instead to pray. Pray for the people living in a combat zone, and for the leaders charged with making life and death decisions. Remember, “perfect love drives out fear” (1 Jn. 4:18).