[Today's Prayer] U.S., U.K., and Others Condemn Iran’s Intelligence Agency for Kidnapping and Killing Operations

The United States, the United Kingdom, and 12 other Western countries have issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s intelligence agency for conducting espionage activitie on their soil.

As tensions rise following the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and the growing possibility of retaliatory terrorism by Iran, conflict between the West and Iran appears to be deepening.

According to reports by the Financial Times and others, the 14 Western countries released a joint statement on July 31 (local time), stating, “We strongly condemn the increasing acts of national-level threats by Iran’s intelligence agency within our territories.”

They continued, “We stand firmly together against Iran’s attempts to carry out assassinations, kidnappings, and harassment in Europe and North America. These are clear violations of our sovereignty.” The statement also warned that “Iran’s intelligence agency is expanding its cooperation with international criminal organizations and targeting journalists, dissidents, Jewish citizens, and former and current public officials in Europe and North America. We cannot tolerate this.” The countries urged Iran, “We pledge to cooperate with one another to prevent such acts and call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt these illegal activities within our borders.”

(Omitted)

The statement comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the West.

In June, the so-called “12-Day War” broke out between Iran and Israel. The U.S. intervened militarily by striking three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities simultaneously.

Even prior to this, the U.S. and its European allies had long been in conflict with Iran over its nuclear program. They also strongly opposed Iran’s supply of armed drones to Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine.

(Omitted)

In May, British police arrested eight individuals—seven of whom were Iranian nationals—on terrorism-related charges. One of their alleged targets was reportedly the Israeli Embassy in London.

Source: Yonhap News

“Except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:23–24)

Ever since the Iran-Israel War, Iran’s hostility toward the U.S. and Europe deepened and it is speculated that there is a higher chance of Iran’s retaliatory terror attacks. In response, 14 Western nations—including the U.S. and U.K.—have issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s intelligence agency for threatening national security.

May You deal with Iran as it cooperates with international criminal organizations, targeting dissidents, Jewish citizens, and others and even selling drones to Russia in order to maintain the status quo of the current Iranian regime.

Lord Jesus, only You can save Iran. May the Iranian church boldly declare the Lord who saves.

And let them fulfill their calling to testify to the gospel of God’s grace, regardless of chains or suffering ahead.

Holy Spirit, may You give wisdom to the Iranian Church, and raise up leaders who value their lives not, but run with the Lord to the nations.

As the day of Christ’s return draws near, let the Church in Iran and the global church unite by faith—breaking nationalism, and embracing their identity as citizens of God’s kingdom. Strengthen them not to rest until the mission You gave is complete. Let them advance again and again—toward the nations.

May Iran may become a people who take hold of the throne of heaven,

and be a nation that fears not martyrdom in order to reveal the Lord’s presence among the nations.