On Wednesday and Thursday, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran. Iran responded with airstrikes of its own on nearby nations. President Donald Trump has hinted at more and stronger attacks from the United States. He threatens to “assume total control” of Iran’s oil and gas industries.
The United States, Israel, and Iran agreed to a ceasefire about two months ago. This temporary agreement made space for peace talks. The ceasefire technically remains in place, but some violence has continued. When Iran attacked the Kuwait airport on June 3, the United States struck an Iranian facility in retaliation. Iran has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by attacking Lebanon, home of Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah.
So far, the three nations have failed to reach a peace agreement. U.S. leaders presented Iran with a deal to end the war, but Iran did not accept the terms. President Trump accuses Iran’s leaders of stalling. The United States wants Iran to stop its nuclear development and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a major lane for shipping oil and other goods. Iran continues to use its grip on the Strait as a bargaining chip. While Iran controls the Strait, it holds power in negotiations. However, President Trump says the U.S. military has managed to sneak barrels of oil past Iran’s blockade.
Israel’s demands also complicate matters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants more than reopening the Strait and hampering Iran’s nuclear power. He wants Iran to do away with its Islamist government.
The latest strikes have created even larger cracks in the already fragile ceasefire. Some say the ceasefire remains only in name.
Leaders in the United States, Israel, and Iran all want an end to the war. But each wants to come out looking like the winner. With congressional elections coming this November, some U.S. politicians push for a faster end to the conflict. They want to see lower gas prices before voters hit the booths. But will President Trump’s threats of force push Iran to accept a swift peace agreement? Or will heavier strikes spark a smoldering conflict back into all-out war?
The tangled knot of world politics can make our heads spin. But we can rest in the God who sees and knows it all. We can ask Him to give world leaders the wisdom to achieve true peace. And we can give thanks to Him that He promises always to preserve His people—all those who rely on Jesus alone for salvation.
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. — Psalm 34:14
