The American Council Statement on United States and Israeli Military Action in Iran
The American Council acknowledges widespread reporting that the United States and Israel have conducted military strikes against targets in Iran, amid rapidly escalating conflict and warnings of additional retaliation across the region.
Our conviction is clear: the people of Iran are not our enemy. For decades, Iran’s ruling regime has functioned as a hub of terror and coercion, exporting violence beyond its borders while tightening control at home. In that context, we support efforts that prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and that reduce the regime’s capacity to threaten neighbors, endanger the world, and terrorize its own citizens.
At the same time, the gravity of war demands moral clarity and moral restraint. Any military operation should keep a sharp distinction between a tyrannical regime and the civilians who live under it. We urge leaders to prioritize the protection of innocent life, uphold the laws of armed conflict, and pursue a credible path toward peace in the Middle East.
Today, we offer these prayers:
- We pray for a free and liberated Iran, where men and women can live without fear, worship without coercion, and build a future without oppression.
- We pray for the peace and courage of the people of Iran, especially those who have long suffered under the weight of violence, surveillance, and intimidation.
- We pray for President Trump and all national leaders who now carry sobering responsibility, that they would have wisdom, clarity, restraint, and resolve to pursue what is just.
- We pray for the United States military and our allies, for protection, integrity, and the safe return of every service member.
- We pray that God would restrain evil, defend the innocent, and bring an end to terror, and that He would open a path toward a just peace.
About the Conflict
- The United States and Israel have launched major combat operations in Iran.
- President Trump said the objective is to defend the United States by eliminating what he described as imminent threats from the Iranian regime.
- Iran has retaliated, with reports of explosions in northern Israel and sirens sounding in Jordan.
- President Trump addressed Iranian citizens in a video message, urging them to take control of their destiny and seize the opportunity to change their government.
- President Trump said nuclear talks with Iran were unproductive, stating that negotiations failed to produce an agreement and that Iran rejected opportunities to renounce its nuclear ambitions.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched an initial wave of drones and missiles toward Israel, signaling additional strikes may follow.
- The Iran aligned Houthis in Yemen said they would resume missile and drone attacks on shipping routes and on Israel, framing it as support for Iran.
- Iran later began targeting United States military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, with reports of explosions in the area.
- Two officials affiliated with separate Iran backed militias in Iraq told The Associated Press that Iranian officials met with allied Iraqi militia leaders about two months ago to plan how they would respond if Iran were attacked, including assigning roles to different armed factions.
- Reports indicate Iran has launched missile strikes against the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
- Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian attacks and warned of serious consequences tied to violations of sovereignty and international principles.
- International response has been mixed. Canada voiced support for action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany said they did not participate but remain in close contact with partners. China called for an immediate halt and a return to negotiations. Russia condemned the United States and Israel.
- Congress was notified before the strikes began, as required by law, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally contacted several senior lawmakers.
- Congressional reaction has been divided. The House Democratic leader said the president should seek authorization for preemptive military force except in exigent circumstances. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile program, and support for terrorism posed an unacceptable threat and praised the president for acting.
About The American Council
The American Council is a national voice for the faith community in public policy. They work to build leaders of moral clarity, courage, and conviction in public discourse.
Tanner DiBella