Read Time: 3 min 50 sec | Reading Level: 5th Grade

WORLD NEWS

12-Day War

Israel and Iran, two longtime enemies, began openly fighting over the past couple of weeks. Here’s a timeline of what happened: 

• June 13: Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion.” It was a surprise attack that killed Iran’s top military leaders and hit nuclear sites. Iran responded by firing a bunch of missiles and drones at Israel. 

• June 14-16: Iran and Israel went back and forth, firing missiles at each other, killing and hurting a lot of people. The U.S. said it would defend Israel (the two countries are allies), but it didn’t join the attacks.

• June 17: President Trump said Iran should completely give up the fight. He also said the U.S. knew where Iran’s top leader was but would leave him alone for now. He told people to get out of Iran’s capital, Tehran. 

• June 18-19: Israel kept bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Iran hit a hospital in Israel (but said they were trying to strike military bases). The U.S. was still staying out of the fight.

• June 21: The U.S. joined the fight. They flew planes that dropped big bombs onto Iranian nuclear sites deep in the ground. Iran said they would get back at the U.S.

• June 23: Iran fired weapons toward U.S. military bases in Qatar. They gave a heads-up, though, so no one would get hurt. Later that day, Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Hours after the announcement, Israel said Iran broke the deal (Iran said they didn’t), so they struck an Iranian radar site. 

• June 24: The ceasefire seems like it’s working, even though it had a rocky start.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
War is heavy and ugly, reminding us of our world’s need for restoration. Jesus came to bear the burden of sin, lighten our load, and make the world new. 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB) (read full passage)

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?

Because of God’s deep love for us, we can show love to all people (1 John 4:19), regardless of which side of a conflict they stand on. 

That means praying for Israelis, Iranians, military personnel, government leaders, civilians, diplomats, and anyone who disagrees with you about this conflict. This is counter-cultural and difficult, but reflects God’s love for all His children.

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?

By trusting in eternity when today seems uncertain. 

No matter what happens between Israel, Iran, and the U.S.—whether ceasefires hold or conflict escalates—Christians have unshakeable hope in Christ, who sits at God’s right hand, reigning over all things (Hebrews 1:3), and who will return and make all things right (John 14:1-3, Revelation 22:20).  

Cling to God’s promise in Titus 2:11-13: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

• Talk with your kids about what they look forward to about eternity. What truths about heaven and Christ’s return can you put your hope in, even in the face of conflict or scary news?  

• Memorize 1 John 4:19 together: “We love because he first loved us.”

• Pray for lasting peace in the Middle East, trusting that the Lord will end all war in His perfect timing.

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