[Today's Prayer] "Until 8:44 AM tomorrow"... Hormuz in extreme tension following Trump's ultimatum

The deadline for the "48-hour ultimatum" presented to Iran by U.S. President Donald Trump is one day away.

President Trump warned that he would devastate Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened, while Iran countered that it could launch retaliatory attacks on regional power plants supplying electricity to U.S. military bases. Observations suggest the Middle East situation has effectively reached the threshold of all-out war.

(Omitted)

At 7:44 PM local time on the 21st, President Trump warned on Truth Social: "If Iran does not completely open the Strait of Hormuz without any threats within exactly 48 hours from now, the United States will completely destroy several of Iran's nuclear power plants, starting with the largest ones."

The 48-hour deadline set by President Trump expires at 8:44 AM on the 24th, Korean time.

Military movements are also unfolding rapidly in line with this. Following approximately 2,500 U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa, Japan, more than 2,000 additional troops have departed from San Diego in the U.S. mainland toward the Middle East. The composition of forces, including helicopters, F-35 fighter jets, and amphibious armored vehicles, is analyzed to be intended for coastal landings and base seizure operations rather than simple defense.

In particular, scenarios involving the seizure of Kharg Island, a core hub for Iranian crude oil exports, or coastal positions along the Strait of Hormuz are being prominently discussed. A high-ranking Israeli official suggested the possibility of actual operational deployment, stating, "The Marines are not for decoration."

In response, Iran announced a hardline stance. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya, the Iranian military's central headquarters, fired back, saying, "If the U.S. attacks our power plants, we will completely close the strait and not open it until they are restored."

Iran also suggested the possibility of expanding the front across the Middle East, warning that if its energy facilities are attacked, it will strike energy, information technology, and desalination facilities related to the U.S. and its allies in the Gulf region.

(Omitted)

Changes in the attitude of Gulf nations are also a variable. As economic damage grows due to the prolonged blockade of the strait, countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly turning toward a hardline stance and participating in discussions for a multilateral military response.

Ultimately, the direction of this war is likely to be decided in the Strait of Hormuz. If the strait opens, the U.S. and Israel can declare a "limited victory," but if the blockade remains, Iran will maintain strong bargaining power by using the energy market as leverage.

Meanwhile, the front is rapidly spreading to Lebanon. On the 22nd, Israel expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon while simultaneously launching concentrated strikes on bridges in the Litani River area to cut off the movement of troops and supply routes of the armed group Hezbollah.

(Omitted)

As the war enters its fourth week, human casualties are mounting. Lebanese health authorities estimated that 1,029 people have died and over 1 million have been displaced in the past three weeks.

In Iran, more than 1,500 people, including children, civilians, and soldiers, have died. It is estimated that 13 U.S. soldiers and at least 19 Israelis have been killed.

Source: Naver News

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:1-2)

Heavenly Father, as the deadline for the ultimatum the United States presented to Iran approaches, we see the situation in the Middle East becoming increasingly tense.

As they continue attacks and warn of retaliation to get what they want, we know that You are the one most grieved as You watch this situation.

You say that there are many rooms in the Father's house, but please have mercy on the leaders who trust in worldly power and strategy instead of God because they have not heard that voice, and on all the souls in the Middle East who are fearful amidst the news of death and war.

The world talks of ultimatums and retaliation, but we believe You are constantly inviting the souls of the nations into the eternal Kingdom of God.

Please accept the prayers of the global church praying in trust of God, let the many suffering souls in the Middle East look toward God, the sovereign ruler of history, and start a new work through the power of the Gospel!

By doing so, let the souls of Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Middle East enter the Father's house together in joy! May the peace of Jerusalem come quickly!