Israel Strikes Iran in Largest Attack Since Iran–Iraq War

Jerusalem/Tehran – Perhaps like myself, you were stunned to learn of the attacks on Iran by Israeli forces in the pre-dawn hours of June 13, 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel dubbed this military campaign Operation Rising Lion and it targeted over 100 sites across Iran, including multiple nuclear facilities.

The reason for this assault was simple – the preservation of the state of Israel from one of its fiercest enemies. As Netanyahu put it, “For decades, the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly, openly called for Israel’s destruction.” Tehran’s deadly threats have been backed up as they have continually moved toward the development of nuclear weapons – a danger not only to Israel, but to the world itself.

According to Netanyahu, Iran has now produced enough enriched uranium for nine atoms bombs, and they are currently in the process of weaponizing this deadly material. Israel was left with little choice but to launch a preemptive strike to address this “…clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival.” Netanyahu later went on to add, “Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear holocaust perpetrated by the Iranian regime.”

At the time of this writing, the United States remains committed to staying out of the direct conflict and safe guarding American forces in the region. In a statement from the White House, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said:

“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

Time will tell if the United States will be drawn into this conflict, but Rubio’s call to Iran to “…not target U.S. interests or personnel” sends a clear message. If United States military and civilian lives and interests do become targets of the Iranian Regime, the US government will respond in kind.

To the ordinary citizens of Iran, Netanyahu had this message, “…our fight is not with you. Our fight is with the brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years. I believe that the day of your liberation is near. And when that happens, the friendship between our two ancient peoples will flourish once again.”

For Christians watching these global events unfold, Scripture provides both clarity and comfort. Psalm 122:6 exhorts believers to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” a call not merely for political calm but for spiritual well-being and security for God’s people. At the same time, Romans 12:18 reminds us, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” These verses together offer a balanced perspective: one that acknowledges the brokenness of this world while anchoring our hope in the peace that only Christ can bring.

As the world watches the fragile balance in the Middle East teeter once again, Christians are called not to fear, but to pray – seeking God’s will, protection for the innocent, wisdom for leaders, and the ultimate peace that comes not from arms or diplomacy, but from the Prince of Peace Himself.

References & Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The information in this article was curated from multiple sources cited below. The Believer’s Byline has no active overseas reporters. All information is published in keeping with copyright allowances for fair use of information. All facts were gleaned directly from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public addresses and The White House Statement (which is in the public domain). No commentary or facts gleaned independently by other news outlets were utilized. Any opinions expressed are those of the author.

CNN. “Hear from Netanyahu after Israel Launches Strike against Iran.” YouTube, 13 June 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvutrzCPoFo.

LiveNOW from Fox. “Israeli PM Netanyahu Speaks on Strikes in Iran.” YouTube, 13 June 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxEXY2IGqeE.

Rubio, Marco. “Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.” The White House, 13 June 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/06/statement-from-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio/.

Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is a project of Bible Hub. Used with permission. The Berean Standard Bible has been released into the public domain.