[Today’s Prayer] Oil routes at risk—could a ground war follow?… Iran on the brink, where will it strike?

If the United States deploys ground forces to the Iranian mainland or its oil export hubs, experts predict Iran could significantly expand the front lines by directly attacking U.S. forces, targeting energy infrastructure, and mobilizing pro-Iranian militant groups.

According to The Hill on the 30th (local time), as the possibility of a U.S. ground attack on Iran is being raised following increased U.S. military deployments in the Middle East, experts analyze that a massive escalation would be inevitable if U.S. troops set foot on Iranian soil. In particular, Kharg Island—a key oil export hub that handles about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports—is Tehran’s economic lifeline, and military action targeting this area is highly likely to trigger a fierce Iranian retaliation.

The first mentioned Iranian response is a direct strike on U.S. forces. Experts noted that Kharg Island is close to the Iranian mainland, making it vulnerable to drone and missile attacks, and that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces likely remain in the area. In this scenario, U.S. forces could face not only gunfights but also asymmetric threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Hill reported that Iran’s ground forces are estimated at around 190,000, raising concerns that the conflict could turn into an exhausting, long-term war of attrition rather than a short-term occupation.

(Omitted)

The expansion of offensives by pro-Iranian militant groups is another variable. Iraqi militias and Lebanon’s Hezbollah are already participating in attacks against Israel, Gulf nations, and U.S. targets in the Middle East. Predictions suggest that if the U.S. escalates the intensity of combat, Yemen’s Houthi rebels could fully join the attacks in the Red Sea. The Hill reported that this could destabilize the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical maritime route alongside the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a gateway through which approximately 10% of the world’s oil and natural gas supply passes. Iranian military sources warned that if the U.S. and Israel continue to attack their energy infrastructure, they will increase instability in the Red Sea and other straits. The Hill pointed out that if both Hormuz and the Red Sea are shaken simultaneously, the U.S., Israel, and the entire international community could face two maritime crises at once.

Source: Newsis

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. (Colossians 2:2)

God, we see the growing concern that the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran may expand into a ground war, shaking both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, and increasing anxiety within the international community.

As the conflicts and disputes in the Middle East escalate day by day, causing the whole world to be on edge, and as nations strive to achieve unity and peace through diplomatic mediation, we confess that the only one who can break all division and bring eternal peace is Christ alone.

May the wars that threaten one another, attack neighboring countries, and bring only anxiety and suffering come to a swift end. Let all the peoples of this land be united through the love of the Cross and come to know the Savior of peace, Jesus Christ, who is the mystery of God.

Let the global church pray without ceasing for Iran and the Middle East, who are suffering in darkness and confusion where the way forward is unseen. May we more boldly witness for Jesus Christ, who came as the light to grant eternal comfort and peace.

Through this, may all the peoples of Iran and the Middle East be united by the Cross to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth and together take part in the final revival of all nations!