The Iran war’s long-term cost

International (MNN) — Delegations from the United States and Iran meet in Pakistan tomorrow after the temporary ceasefire in the Iran war was announced earlier this week. But even if negotiations are more than another impasse, the conflict has already set up long-term threats of terrorist attacks in the region. 

“After all that’s happened,” says Samuel* with Redemptive Stories, “and how Iran has been attacked and at least perceived by some as dishonored, the honor and shame part of the culture of this part of the world means that the fight might take a pause — but it will still go on.”

He points out that situations in the Middle East are always intertwined. Hezbollah connects to Iran, connects to Syria, connects to Iraq, etcetera. 

“It may not happen in two weeks. It may not happen in two months. But I wholeheartedly believe that there will be ongoing attacks against US interests in the region for the time to come, as retaliation for what has taken place over the past month-and-a-half,” Samuel says. 

That risk assessment is concerning not only for Western or US interests in the Middle East, but also for local Christians. 

“The evangelical Church in this part of the world, for better or for worse, is often connected to the US,” Samuel says. “Therefore, these will have implications on evangelical churches in Iraq, perhaps even in Lebanon.”

(Photo courtesy of Lara Jameson via Pexels)

He also expects an impact on the underground Church in Iran: “I’m assuming there will be significant crackdowns once the dust settles a little bit.”

Pray for protection, boldness, and strength for brothers and sisters in Christ in the Middle East as they speak about the hope of the gospel.

“God always uses these chaotic moments to bring people to Himself. We’ve seen it all throughout the region, and we see it over and over again,” says Samuel. 

“I’m sure that they are also praying that in the midst of the chaos that’s happened in Iran and in Lebanon and somewhat in Iraq, that God would, by His great grace, bring some of those who have been affected to Himself. So that is [local Christians’] prayer, along with security and safety.”

*Pseudonym

Header photo courtesy of Saifee Art via Unsplash.