[Today’s Prayer] Middle East in flames for 26 days… despite hopes for U.S.–Iran negotiations, fierce fighting continues

As the war between the United States and Israel and Iran enters its 26th day, expectations for ceasefire negotiations are rising, but intense military clashes between the two sides are also continuing. According to foreign media such as Reuters and AP on the 25th (local time), Iran launched missile attacks targeting major Israeli cities the previous night and early that morning.

Air raid sirens were issued in Jerusalem and Jericho in the West Bank, and as Israel’s air defense system was activated, explosions were heard in the sky. According to the Israeli military, Iran carried out additional missile attacks targeting southern and central Israel early that morning.

Iran stated that it struck Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, and satellite communication facilities. In a statement that day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said, “During the new rocket attacks, we targeted Eilat and satellite communication facilities serving the Israeli military,” and also claimed that four U.S. military bases in the region were attacked using drones and missiles.

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There were also airstrikes in other parts of the Middle East believed to be carried out by Iran. At Kuwait International Airport, a drone struck a fuel tank, causing a fire.

Israel also launched large-scale retaliatory attacks. Early that morning, shortly after the missile attacks, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on key infrastructure in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Local media reported that explosions were heard in several areas of Tehran.

Offensives targeting Hezbollah, the pro-Iran Islamic militant group in Lebanon, are also intensifying.

As Israel does not hide its intention to occupy southern Lebanon through an expanded ground war, Lebanese state media reported that at least six people were killed in a southern village hit by Israeli airstrikes.

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Amid the escalating conflict, statements and reports in the United States have raised expectations for possible negotiations with Iran. On the 24th, U.S. President Donald Trump said, “Iran gave us a big gift,” expressing an optimistic tone about negotiations.

Major U.S. media outlets such as CNN and The New York Times reported that the Trump administration delivered a list of 15 demands to Iran through Pakistan. The U.S. demands reportedly include dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, halting support for pro-Iran proxy forces, banning uranium enrichment, and guaranteeing free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, many of these demands are considered difficult for Iran to accept. Currently, Pakistan is acting as a mediator between the United States and Iran, working to arrange face-to-face talks between the two sides.

At the same time, the United States is strengthening its military posture toward Iran. U.S. media reported that President Trump approved the deployment of more than 1,000 troops from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. Additionally, 2,200 U.S. Marines stationed in Japan are expected to arrive in the Middle East around the 27th.

These units are elite forces capable of airborne operations and securing landing positions, and their movement is interpreted as a sign that the United States is also considering the possibility of expanding the war into a ground conflict.

Tensions surrounding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz are also continuing.

Iran sent a letter to member states of the International Maritime Organization stating that only “non-hostile vessels” would be allowed to pass, reaffirming that it has no intention of relinquishing control over the strait despite strong warnings from the United States.

Source: Yonhap News

Though you have sorrow now, I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

We hear that as the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues into its 26th day, expectations for a ceasefire are rising, yet fierce military conflict between both sides is still ongoing.

Even as negotiations between the United States and Iran are taking place to bring the war to an end, Lord, please have mercy on the people of Iran and Israel who have lost their families and are weeping in anxiety about an uncertain future amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Lead them to the path of the gospel so that they may experience peace and unshakable joy in Jesus Christ, and protect the local churches in Iran and Israel that are keeping their faith in the midst of war, so that Iran and Israel may once again recover the joy that the world cannot give through the grace of the cross.

Let the global Church awaken to serve with the love of Jesus, open pathways to proclaim the gospel, and press forward in prayer for the shalom of Iran and Israel.

By the power of Jesus Christ, who has overcome the power of death, cover Iran and Israel and bring them into unity, so that the day may soon come when the peoples of the Middle East join hands with the nations and once again behold Jesus Christ, the Savior clothed in garments of joy