[Today's Prayer] Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iran's Nuclear Core in Natanz – Top Military Leaders Killed

Israel launched a massive preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military targets on the 13th (local time), pushing the already unstable Middle East into deeper turmoil.

With confirmation that Israel carried out the airstrikes independently, without U.S. assistance, not only is the upcoming sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks now in question, but concerns are growing that Iran’s response could escalate into a full-scale war.

(Omitted)

According to Israel’s official statements and local media reports, around 3 a.m., Israel deployed over 200 fighter jets and dropped more than 330 bombs on about 100 military targets across Iran, including the Natanz nuclear facility in central Iran, hideouts of senior military leaders, and ballistic missile production sites. This is Israel’s largest direct attack on Iran to date.

(Omitted)

Among the dead were Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces; Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); and Gholamali Rashid, Central Commander of the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base. At least six Iranian nuclear scientists, including Mohammad Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi, were also reported dead. Iranian media reported that an airstrike hit a hospital in Tehran, killing four children aged 3 to 6 and injuring at least 50 others, with civilian casualties mounting, though specific figures have yet to be confirmed.

(Omitted)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a video statement, “Israel has launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ to repel threats to its survival. It will continue as long as necessary, no matter how many days it takes.” He claimed that Iran had produced enough highly enriched uranium to build nine nuclear bombs and stated that Israel targeted the heart of Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

(omitted)

Iran immediately vowed to retaliate, and it appears that it has taken some action.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said in a statement that "the Zionist regime (Israel) has extended its dirty and bloody hand to attack the residential areas of our beloved homeland," and that "it must be severely punished."

(omitted)

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency nationwide, saying that Iran is expected to respond with missiles and drones. Israel also closed its airspace and ordered its residents to evacuate.

On the same day, Israel reported efforts to intercept over 100 drones launched by Iran. Jordan’s state media reported that multiple incoming missiles and drones had been intercepted. Iraq also reported that more than 100 Iranian drones entered its airspace.

The United States distanced itself from the situation, stating it was not involved in Israel’s airstrikes on Iran.

(Omitted)

However, given Iran’s prior warnings that it would attack U.S. facilities in the region if Israel launched strikes, the possibility of the U.S. being drawn into the conflict cannot be ruled out. On the 11th, the U.S. had already ordered the evacuation of some embassy personnel and military families from the Middle East.

(omitted)

Source: Yonhap News

“remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ (Isaiah 46:9–10)

Lord, we hear the news that at dawn on the 13th, Israel dropped more than 330 bombs on over 100 military targets throughout Iran, killing top Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists, and prompting immediate retaliation from Iran with over 100 drones launched at Israel.

God, the Middle East has become more volatile and uncertain than ever, as the possibility of full-scale war between Israel and Iran increased with this attack. The U.S. and the entire Middle East are to be drawn into this conflict, because Iran had already expected Israeli attack and had warned that it would strike U.S. facilities in the region if attacked.

Iran had been using Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah to keep Israel in check, but now was at work to be equipped with nuclear weapons. And in response to facing the existential threat, Israel has not placed its trust in You but in its own power and military might. May you have mercy on Israel. Lord, the Savior of Israel, may You spread Your will among Israel and let Your Kingdom come upon them.

May You also comfort the souls of the Iranian people with the gospel, especially as many civilians were killed or injured in the strikes. Holy Spirit, empower the local Iranian churches to be a source of comfort and hope. Through the gospel proclaimed by these churches, may Iranians begin to see Israel not through the lens of the world, but through the eyes of God the Father. May the love of Jesus on the cross be shared, even toward enemies who seem to deserve harsh punishment, as Jesus commanded us to love even them.

May the churches of Israel and Iran take the lead in prayer and reconciliation, becoming bridges over the conflict. May the global Church labor to mediate between Iran and Israel, sending forth messengers of the gospel to bring peace to the Middle East.

May both Israel and Iran become peoples who, united in Christ, follow the Prince of Peace and proclaim the gospel to the nations! May they rise together to fulfill God's calling to raise up His remnant among every people!