Update (Day 963) Swords of Iron “Showdown”

The United States has struck Iran in the Bandar Abbas region after the IRGC was reportedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which is completely unacceptable. Officials say the strikes are now concluded, the launch sites were destroyed, and the operation was defensive—meant to stop Iran from mining one of the world’s most critical waterways.

So, as I understand it, this does not mean the war is fully back on. It was a limited tactical strike.

But listen to the way Iran’s leadership talks. They continue saying Israel is entering the “final stage” of its existence—the same threats we have heard for years: death to Israel, death to America. This does not sound like a regime that has learned its lesson. The IRGC are terrorists—arch-terrorists threatening not only Israel, but the whole world.

What’s also telling is that Iran is warning that any Israeli strike in Lebanon on Beirut or Hezbollah—its own terror proxy—could derail negotiations with the United States. So which is it? Are they separate actors, or is Hezbollah one of their arms? Everyone knows the answer.

Reports also say Iranian-regime media were instructed not to report on the U.S. strike near Bandar Abbas, apparently to avoid jeopardizing negotiations. That also says a lot.

President Trump has urged regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords. So far, they have rejected that path. It seems some despise Israel—or fear Iran—more than they want peace. But the United Arab Emirates made the right choice. They chose prosperity, stability, and partnership. That kind of leadership is rare in the region, and it matters for the future of our children.

Israel is not disappearing. Israel is not on its last leg. We have survived so much, and we will survive what comes next.

Meanwhile, the IDF is mobilizing more troops to deal with Hezbollah’s drone threat. These attacks continue, and they are serious. Hezbollah keeps violating the ceasefire, and then when Israel responds, they accuse us of violating it. No—we are striking terrorists who are attacking us. A ceasefire where one side fires and the other side is expected to stay silent is not a real ceasefire. Hezbollah must be dismantled.

The message is simple: terror cannot be allowed to hide behind negotiations, borders, or propaganda. Whether it comes from Iran, Hezbollah, or any other proxy, Israel will defend itself. 

Zechariah 12:3 speaks of Jerusalem becoming a burdensome stone for the nations. Those who come against her should think carefully.

The Nations of the world need to choose the right side—before it is too late.