Analysts, strategists, commentators, and advisers are all discussing the potential cost of this war. It may not remain regional; it could very soon become much larger. There are Russian and Chinese warships near Bandar Abbas, outside Iran. The question may not be when this will happen, but whether it must be done—a determination toward the goal of defending the free world.

There are those who want the free world to cease being free, who want to plunge it into a Sharia-based, jihadist reality that would dominate globally. In some European countries, it may already be too late to reverse course.

Marco Rubio says Iran poses a very grave danger to the United States beyond its nuclear ambitions. Imagine if they had nuclear weapons and could strike not only Europe but eventually the United States. Some of Trump’s advisers suggest that Israel should strike first, believing that Iran will not stop, regardless of what it says. I agree.

Rubio also warns that Iran’s ballistic missiles pose a serious threat not only to Israel but to naval forces and global shipping. The jugular of the world’s oil supply runs through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran cannot be allowed to dominate that passage with its missiles or establish hegemony.

There is, of course, a significant cost to consider. Some argue this could trigger events that leave America unprepared to deter China from invading Taiwan, where critical semiconductor production is located. Many factors must be weighed. But the primary consideration is the grave threat that will not disappear tomorrow. This is not just about Israel; it is about the free world remaining free.

No one wants a prolonged military confrontation with Iran. Rubio says any action must aim to be swift. Yet Iran possesses one of the largest ballistic missile arsenals in the world, threatening U.S. bases and forces in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, as well as international shipping. There are many reasons some believe action is necessary.

Regime change is being discussed, but what would that look like? Would eliminating the 86-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei even change the trajectory? This is a clash of kingdoms and worldviews. They envision a jihadist apocalypse and global domination under Sharia.

Countries such as Belgium, France, and perhaps soon the UK may seek to return to their foundational principles, though some fear it may already be too late. There is yet time to act.

We once thought we could relax, but in Israel it has always been low flame or high flame—never true peace. Since October 7, we have realized we must take up our shepherd’s staff and defend our homes, families, and nation. The same is true for the free world.

Isaiah 43:1–2 says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the fire, you will not be burned.”