CRISIS ALERT: ISRAEL, IRAN & THE MIDDLE EAST – A CALL TO PRAYER! – ISRAEL & IRAN: FROM BIBLICAL PARTNERS TO MODERN ADVERSARIES
Monday, June 16th, 2025
Blog link – https://www.otakada.org/crisis-alert-israel-iran-the-middle-east-a-call-to-prayer/
World News Links as at today
https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-attack-strikes-news-06-16-25-intl-hnk
https://www.rt.com/news/619058-israel-strikes-iran-updates/
Beloved, In the past 4 days, Israel launched extensive, multi-wave airstrikes across Iran (over 100 sites), combining IAF jets and Mossad-coordinated drone sabotage, escalating tensions to an unprecedented level. This followed Iran’s historic direct attack on Israel in April — a first since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. We are now witnessing the normalization of direct warfare between these two regional giants.
• 13 June 2025 – Operation Rising Lion
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Israel launched extensive, multi-wave airstrikes across Iran (over 100 sites), combining IAF jets and Mossad-coordinated drone sabotage
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Targets included:
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Nuclear facilities at Natanz (pilot enrichment plant, support buildings)
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Nuclear & uranium-conversion sites near Isfahan
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Missile bases in Tabriz and Kermanshah, and IRGC headquarters in and around Tehran
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High-ranking IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists were killed
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• 13–15 June 2025 – Iran’s Retaliation
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Iran fired 150–200+ ballistic missiles and drones into Israel
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Casualties: dozens killed in Israel; 14–24 Israeli fatalities, hundreds injured
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Israel’s Iron Dome and Patriot systems, aided by U.S. support, shot down most strikes
• 14–16 June 2025 – Escalation Continues
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Death toll in Iran surged: 200+ civilians, including women and children, plus scientists and commanders
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Multiple energy, oil, and military installations were heavily damaged—Natanz, Isfahan, missile bases, military housing, oil depots
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A U.N. atomic agency (IAEA) monitoring mission reported no elevated off-site radiation, though it noted structural damage and potential chemical risks
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U.S. naval carrier strike group (USS Nimitz) entered the region, while global powers voiced concern and urged de-escalation
⚖️ SPIRITUAL & EARTHLY BALANCE
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This is not a conflict with a single villain. Both nations are trapped in cycles of fear, defense, and retaliation.
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Israel asserts defensive necessity to stop a possible nuclear threat.
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Iran, while suffering civilian and infrastructure losses, frames retaliation as resisting external aggression.
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Regional actors—Iraq, Yemen (Houthis), Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan—are watching, assisting, or responding to shifting security currents, though none have launched direct strikes yet.
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The innocent bear the highest price. Civilians across Israel and Iran, especially women and children, are dying or displaced. This calls for profound compassion and intercession.
Understanding the Historical Tensions, the Present Crisis, and How We Can Respond in Prayer and Action
️ A Shared Legacy: From Ancient Alliance to Cold War
Before Iran was “Iran,” it was Persia — and Persia has a rich, honorable place in biblical history. In fact:
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Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, was prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 45:1) almost 150 years before his birth.
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He was the ruler who freed the Jews from Babylonian captivity, financed their return to Jerusalem, and helped rebuild the Temple.
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The Jewish people thrived in Persia. The Book of Esther even takes place entirely in the Persian Empire.
For centuries, Jews lived peacefully within Persian territory. Even in the 20th century, before 1979, Iran and Israel were allies — trading partners and diplomatic friends.
1979: The Islamic Revolution & the Shift
Everything changed in 1979 when Iran underwent a revolution that toppled the Shah (who was pro-Western and friendly to Israel) and installed the Ayatollah Khomeini as the Supreme Leader of a newly declared Islamic Republic.
From then on, the new Iranian regime:
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Branded Israel as a colonialist “Zionist regime”;
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Declared support for Palestinian liberation;
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Began building networks with proxy groups across the Middle East (e.g., Hezbollah in Lebanon, Islamic Jihad and Hamas in Gaza).
⚔️ CURRENT ESCALATION: Tensions at a Boiling Point (2024–2025)
TIMELINE OF ESCALATION: IRAN – ISRAEL CONFLICT (2024–2025)
⚠️ PHASE 1: SPARKING THE FIRE – APRIL 2024
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1 April 2024:
Israel bombs the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria — a serious breach of international norms.Multiple senior Iranian officials killed, including IRGC commanders.
This is considered the trigger for direct confrontation between the two nations. -
13 April 2024:
Iran retaliates directly for the first time in history by launching drone and missile attacks into Israeli territory.Allies from the Axis of Resistance (Hezbollah, Houthis, etc.) also joined in.
Iranian forces seized the Israeli-linked ship MSC Aries in the Persian Gulf.
Most Iranian missiles were intercepted by Israel and Western allies ( USA, UK, France, Jordan). -
19 April 2024:
Israel responds with limited retaliatory strikes inside Iran and Syria, hitting radar and missile defense systems.Analysts say the attack was symbolic and intended to avoid wider escalation.
Iran does not respond militarily, choosing to return to proxy activity.
⚠️ PHASE 2: SHADOW WAR INTENSIFIES – JULY–OCTOBER 2024
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31 July 2024:
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh is assassinated in Tehran, just hours after Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr is killed in a strike in Beirut (Haret Hreik airstrike).Iran and Hezbollah vow retaliation.
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1 October 2024:
Iran launches a missile barrage at Israel — part of a coordinated show of force following the dual assassinations. -
26 October 2024:
Israel launches new strikes against Iranian military infrastructure in retaliation.
→ The war has now moved beyond Gaza and Lebanon to direct homeland strikes.
⚠️ PHASE 3: FLASHPOINT – JUNE 2025
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12 June 2025:
Israel launches multiple airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, signaling a new level of preemptive military strategy.
→ Targets included radar sites, enrichment plants, and military complexes. -
13–14 June 2025:
Iran responds with airstrikes of its own, targeting Israeli military bases in the Negev and northern Israel.
⚠️ OTHER ACTORS & DYNAMICS:
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United States, UK, France, Jordan: Helped intercept Iranian drones in April 2024.
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Syria: Shot down some Israeli interceptors; site of multiple Israeli strikes.
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Yemen (Houthis): Launched long-range drones and missiles toward Israel.
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Hezbollah: Continues low-level skirmishes with Israel on the Lebanese border.
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Iraq-based militias: Carried out attacks on US bases and Israeli-linked interests.
THE BROADER MUSLIM WORLD’S INVOLVEMENT
1. Iraq
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Iraq is home to Iran-backed militias who frequently launch drone and rocket attacks on US and Israeli-linked interests.
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However, Iraqi civilians are weary of war and have protested Iranian influence on their soil.
2. Yemen (Houthis)
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The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have:
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Launched missiles at Israel in support of Palestinians.
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Targeted international shipping in the Red Sea, which has escalated global tensions.
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3. Jordan
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Caught in the middle:
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Hosts millions of Palestinian refugees.
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Has been forced to intercept missiles flying over its territory.
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Strongly opposes escalation but fears destabilization.
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4. Saudi Arabia
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Historically opposed Iran, yet has cooled relations with Israel after the Gaza war.
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Saudi-led peace efforts are on hold.
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Riyadh urges de-escalation and regional stability.
5. Pakistan
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While not directly involved, public sentiment strongly supports Iran, asking that the muslem world unite to confront Israel.
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Islamabad has issued warnings about Israel’s expansionism and calls for an end to hostilities.
6. Turkey and Qatar
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Turkey has condemned Israeli actions.
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Qatar is a mediator, hosting Hamas leaders while maintaining channels with the West.
A BALANCED UNDERSTANDING
Let us be clear: both sides bear responsibility for the cycle of violence.
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Israel, while protecting its people, has sometimes responded with excessive force, leading to civilian casualties.
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Iran, while advocating for the oppressed, has used proxies that destabilize the region and threaten peace.
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The Palestinian people remain trapped in the middle — a deeply wounded, stateless population living between occupation, internal misgovernance, and proxy manipulation.
This is not a battle of good vs. evil. It is a web of historical wounds, theological claims, political miscalculations, and spiritual warfare.
WHAT CAN WE DO IN PRAYER?
1. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem AND Tehran
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…” (Psalm 122:6)
“…and seek the peace of the city to which I have carried you…” (Jeremiah 29:7)
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Not one-sided prayers, but prayers for mutual peace, healing, and understanding.
2. Pray for the Innocent
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Children, mothers, civilians, and displaced families in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen.
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May God be a shield to the defenseless.
3. Pray for the Underground Church in Iran
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Thousands of Iranians are coming to Christ through visions and dreams.
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Iran now has one of the fastest-growing churches in the world!
4. Pray for Wisdom Among Leaders
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That moderate voices would rise.
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That hotheads, extremists, and war profiteers would lose influence.
5. Pray Against the Spirit of Hatred
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” (Eph 6:12)
Hatred is a spirit. Let’s bind it in prayer, and release a spirit of reconciliation.
✊ WHAT CAN WE DO IN ACTION?
✅ 1. Support Peacebuilders
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Back organizations and voices that promote dialogue, not division.
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Raise awareness with wisdom — not propaganda.
✅ 2. Give to Humanitarian Relief
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Help displaced families in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon.
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Support groups offering trauma healing, food, water, and medical aid.
✅ 3. Share Balanced Information
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Avoid sharing divisive, inflammatory posts on social media.
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Promote understanding, not enemy-making.
✅ 4. Encourage Governmental Diplomacy
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Urge your leaders to push for ceasefires, diplomatic solutions, and regional cooperation.
FINAL WORD: HOPE IN PROPHECY
The Bible gives us a glimpse of a Middle East transformed by God’s glory:
“In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria (modern-day Iran/Iraq), a blessing in the midst of the land…” (Isaiah 19:24)
This is the vision we must war for in prayer and peacebuilding — not endless war, but a day when the descendants of Abraham unite under the Prince of Peace.
PRAYER BULLETIN FOR INTERCESSORS
Title: Standing in the Gap: Intercessory Prayers for Israel, Iran & the Middle East
SCRIPTURAL ANCHORS
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Isaiah 19:24-25 – Prophetic hope of unity between Israel, Egypt & Assyria (modern Iran/Iraq)
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Psalm 122:6 – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…”
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Jeremiah 29:7 – “Seek the peace of the city where I have carried you…”
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Ephesians 6:12 – “We wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
STRATEGIC PRAYER POINTS
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PEACE AND DE-ESCALATION
Pray for divine restraint and supernatural wisdom in Israel and Iran.
→ “Lord, intervene in the escalation and turn war-planners into peacemakers.” -
️ PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
Pray for families in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
→ “Father, shield the innocent, heal the wounded, and comfort the grieving.” -
REVIVAL IN IRAN AND ISRAEL
Pray for the underground church and for Jesus to be revealed through dreams, visions, and miracles.
→ “God of Abraham, let truth break through lies and raise up worshipers in spirit and truth.” -
BREAK SPIRITUAL STRONGHOLDS
Bind the spirit of hatred, antisemitism, deception, and revenge.
→ “We pull down every demonic ideology that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ.” -
️ DIVINE WISDOM FOR GLOBAL LEADERS
Pray for righteous counsel in the US, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UN.
→ “Lord, frustrate wicked strategies and raise Daniels and Esthers to influence decision-making.” -
UNITY AMONG BELIEVERS
Pray for the global Church to intercede with one voice — beyond politics and prejudice.
→ “Let the Church arise in prayer and love, declaring your kingdom over the Middle East.” -
FULFILLMENT OF ISAIAH 19
Declare God’s redemptive plan for Israel, Egypt, and Assyria.
→ “We call forth the divine alliance of nations for Your glory in the last days!”
TIPS FOR INTERCESSORS:
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Form daily prayer chains or Zoom prayer hours.
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Include these points in your church prayer watch.
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Encourage fasting every Thursday or a day weekly.
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Share this bulletin with home fellowships, youth, and elders.
️ Let us not curse nations, but call them into their prophetic destiny.
“Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” — Isaiah 19:25
✍️ Prepared by
Ambassador Monday O. Ogbe
God’s Eagle Ministries | www.otakada.org
