How Will Tech Shape Future Conflicts?

Welcome to the 700 Club

The war between Israel and Iran is rapidly escalating. Iran is now striking American diplomatic sites in the region, and the U.S. is warning all citizens to leave. President Trump said the fight could last more than a month and promised stronger strikes, stating, "the big one is coming soon." Our Middle East correspondent Joshua Swanson has the story.

Escalating Conflict and Direct Targets

The conflict continues to expand with American forces and diplomatic sites directly targeted. Iran hit the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a drone strike early Tuesday, causing what Saudi Arabia's defense ministry described as a limited fire and minor damage. This followed an attack the day before on the U.S. embassy in Kuwait, signaling a widening Iranian response. Iran has attacked targets in other nations, including energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It also claims to have closed the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world's oil is shipped. The United States and Israel are intensifying air strikes inside Iran. President Donald Trump suggested this may only be the beginning of a sustained campaign lasting over a month. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump refused to rule out sending American troops into Iran if necessary. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. knew Israel was about to strike and joined in a preemptive strike to prevent higher U.S. casualties from Iranian retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had no choice, calling the threat from Iran urgent.

"The Big One Is Coming Soon"

Trump stated, "We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn't even happened. The big one is coming soon." The human toll is rising. U.S. military officials confirmed six American service members have been killed in the first three days, including troops killed in an Iranian strike on a base housing American forces in Kuwait. At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegsth was asked about praying for U.S. forces, responding, "I pray simply for the biblical wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it." The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to immediately depart from more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, including Israel.

Analysis from Jerusalem: A New Middle East Emerging

CBN News Middle East bureau chief Chris Mitchell joins from Jerusalem. On Trump's statement about a bigger blow coming, Mitchell reports analysts find it hard to believe a bigger wave could come after the unprecedented aerial campaign in the last three days. Approximately 200 strikes by the U.S. and Israel have hit the presidential palace, defense ministry, and IRGC headquarters, decapitating leadership, with ongoing efforts to hit ballistic missile launchers. Analysts suggest they could raise stakes with more strikes, target more nuclear sites, or hit Iran's oil infrastructure, though that might affect oil prices. Some say it could be rhetoric to signal to the Iranian government that the war is far from over. Mitchell also notes a new front in the north: Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, and the IDF is responding with a massive campaign that might signal the end of Hezbollah as known. Additionally, President Trump is reportedly reaching out to Kurds along the Iraqi-Iranian border. These developments signal a new Middle East emerging in real time.

Kurdish Forces and the Purim Parallel

Regarding Kurds potentially supplying ground troops, Mitchell states it's possible, as they are armed and located in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, and could be a potential force to help overthrow the regime and the IRGC.

Today is the Israeli holiday of Purim, commemorating when Jews in Persia were delivered from a plot to annihilate them. Mitchell says 100% of Jews see a parallel to the biblical story. The parallels are striking: it's the same month and day as about 2500 years ago. Jews read the Book of Esther, some in bomb shelters, celebrating where the villain Haman is booed and heroes are cheered. It's the only book in the Bible where God's name is not mentioned, yet many see His hand. A tradition for some Jewish men to get tipsy is tempered this year; they've been instructed not to get drunk, needing to be alert to reach bomb shelters within a minute's notice. One person said there's no need for alcohol to feel how miraculous and historic this moment is, feeling like living in messianic times.

Domestic Questions and Justifications

At home, new questions arise about President Trump's justification for launching air strikes against Iran. More Democrats on Capitol Hill say there was no imminent threat and question the strikes. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer found answers from a briefing with defense, state, CIA, and Joint Chiefs officials completely insufficient. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the strikes were a preemptive move because they knew Israel would act, precipitating an attack on American forces, and preempting it prevented higher casualties. U.S. Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff says Iran was on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon, evading oversight to deliver 11 nuclear bombs. The conflict has nearly stopped shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. With Iran supplying 20% of the world's oil, consumers can expect higher oil and gasoline prices. President Trump sent a war powers resolution to Congress, saying the campaign is to protect American troops, the homeland, and allies.

Political Analysis: War Powers and Threats

CBN chief political analyst David Brody joins. On whether Rubio's comment about going in with Israel creates a problem for Trump, Brody says it's a hiccup. Some Democrats and far-right figures claim Trump was dragged into war by Israel, but Brody dismisses this, noting Trump is not easily dragged. Rubio used "preemptive" regarding American casualties, but later said the U.S. would have attacked Iran regardless; timing was coincidental. The War Powers Act has been triggered; the president notified Congress within 48 hours, triggering a 60-day period for forces to operate. Votes in the Senate and House to limit the president's war powers are expected to fail. Brody notes the 60-day period allows military action, with 30 more days for withdrawal, totaling about 90 days. If boots are on the ground, a stronger coalition might push for Congressional involvement. Article One gives Congress power to declare war; Article Two makes the president commander-in-chief. The Supreme Court hasn't ruled specifically on this; presidents have used it since 1973, justified by modern warfare's need for swift action. Brody views Iran as a clear threat for 47 years, citing chants of "death to America," sponsorship of proxies, and missile attacks.

On Congress approving action within 60 days, Brody thinks if talk of boots on the ground continues, Congress might approve, but it could get complicated quickly.

Regarding domestic terrorism concerns and sleeper cells, Brody explains the Department of Homeland Security is operating on an essential level despite lack of funding; non-essential employees aren't paid, and long-term assessments aren't done, but short-term threats and cybersecurity are addressed. The White House argues they're taking care of priorities, but homegrown attacks remain a concern.

On the Strait of Hormuz closure impacting oil prices, Brody says it's all on the table; gas prices have already increased about 5 cents per gallon and will incrementally go up. Iran claims closure, but America disputes it; 80% of ships aren't going through.

Humanitarian Response: Operation Blessing Mobilizes

Reports indicate thousands of Iranians seeking to flee. CBN's Operation Blessing is mobilizing to help in neighboring Armenia. Drew Friedrich, president of Operation Blessing International, explains they're mobilizing teams for an expected influx of refugees. Armenia is a Christian nation and safe haven. Operation Blessing has been on the ground since 2009 with Orphans Promise, with an extensive network of churches and projects ready to provide aid, spiritual support, food, and hygiene kits. They have Superbook in Farsi and Armenian to share the gospel. Supply chain issues exist with airspace shut down, but they can purchase in-country and had prepared ahead. They have experience from previous refugee crises, like Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine-Russia. Currently, it's different as there isn't a full-scale boots-on-ground war causing mass exodus; they're waiting to see where refugees go, but Armenia is the safest place for their team. They've been working with Iranian refugees since Operation Midnight Hammer in June. Many refugees want to return to a free Iran. If the Revolutionary Guard is taken out and democracy emerges, Operation Blessing plans to utilize existing networks to move supplies into the country, activating church networks and volunteers, prioritizing safety.

Call for Support

The biggest need is prayer and financial support to ensure sufficient supplies. To contribute, call 1-800-700-7000, write to CBN Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23463, or text OBDR to 71777, specifying Operation Blessing Disaster Relief. The need is tremendous for millions fleeing with nothing, and support helps provide stability and share the gospel.