Update (Day 925) Swords of Iron-Lion’s Roar “Iran Playing Dangerous Games”

Very windy this Shabbat—kicking up a dust storm throughout the Land. Friends, look what has happened: Iran has reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, reversing its agreement to reopen it.

Is anyone surprised? You shouldn’t be. You can’t trust Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, or their backers in Tehran. Iran’s military says the strait is now under strict control and will remain restricted as long as U.S. pressure continues. That was not the deal. Drones with loudspeakers are warning ships of a “complete closure.”

They’re still playing games. Iran claims its fleet is ready to inflict defeats—but they’re playing with fire and will face consequences. The strait is effectively closed.

President Trump had tried to give every chance for de-escalation, even saying Iran agreed to return enriched uranium. But Iran quickly contradicted that, calling its uranium “sacred” and refusing further talks, claiming U.S. conditions are excessive. They are not. Preventing nuclear weapons is essential.

Despite this, recent events have been extraordinary. Israel’s defenses have intercepted about 99% of incoming threats, including hundreds of drones and missiles—even achieving interceptions in space. Key terrorist leadership once thought untouchable has been eliminated. A pilot was rescued during Passover deep in enemy territory by a joint Israeli-American team.

Regional dynamics are shifting, with some Arab nations openly aligning with Israel. Defensive systems are expanding, and enemy coordination is breaking down. Groups like Hamas are not being rearmed as before.

There are countless stories of survival: hostages rescued, attacks prevented, tunnels uncovered, missiles failing, and civilians and soldiers spared in unlikely ways. I’ve seen it myself—bullets being stopped, lives being saved, people surviving what should have been fatal.

Even in my own life, survival feels miraculous. Many struggle with PTSD, yet we continue building and helping others. We’ve opened a new center in the Galilee—Galilee Harbor—to support soldiers and families dealing with trauma.

This story isn’t over. As you share these updates, you help counter misinformation with firsthand perspective. Thank you for standing with us.

Ezekiel 25:17: “I will execute great vengeance upon them with great rebukes… and they will know that I am the Lord.”