US to Begin Withdrawal of Troops?
No official announcement has been made, but The Washington Post reports that Pentagon officials have told the newspaper that US Command Central and the Joint Staff of Chiefs are now evaluating whether a troop drawdown should begin soon. One source—yet to be verified—said that Central Command’s chief Admiral Brad Cooper is in support of relocating some US troops.
If true, the reduction would include troops that are currently stationed at 20 different bases in the region. Currently, there are now 50,000 US military personnel stationed in the Middle East.
No official announcement has been made, but The Washington Post reports that Pentagon officials have told the newspaper that US Command Central and the Joint Staff of Chiefs are now evaluating whether a troop drawdown should begin soon. One source—yet to be verified—said that Central Command’s chief Admiral Brad Cooper is in support of relocating some US troops.
If true, the reduction would include troops that are currently stationed at 20 different bases in the region. Currently, there are now 50,000 US military personnel stationed in the Middle East.
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Israel: Tensions Rising with Turkey
In response to what Israel perceived as a threat posed by Turkish forces, the IDF carried out strikes against targets in northwestern Syria at the Abu al-Duhur military airfield.
Israel said Turkey was conducting “dangerous adventures in Syria” and said the strikes were necessary to prevent a Turkish military buildup along its borders. The Israeli prime minister’s office said Syria “was on the verge of breaching” a security agreement with Israel “by permitting Turkish troops to deploy at an airbase near Aleppo.”
Syria claims there were no hostile intentions, and Turkey objected to Israel’s actions, claiming that “there was no Turkish presence at the airbase.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “Israel will not allow any entity to threaten its security. It is preferable for Erdogan to continue delivering empty, delusional speeches against Israel in the Turkish parliament rather than testing Israel’s resolve to defend itself.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had told Syria not to allow Turkish forces to use the airbase: “Our message was very clear: Don’t. I guess they didn’t quite understand the message.”
While Turkey claims it does not intend to use the airbase, Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, had admitted that Turkish military officials had visited the base recently. But he said the reason was for “ongoing military cooperation in the areas of training and the exchange of expertise.”
Turkey already has a significant military presence in other parts of Syria. And it is a major ally of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
So Israel has every reason to express concerned.
In response to what Israel perceived as a threat posed by Turkish forces, the IDF carried out strikes against targets in northwestern Syria at the Abu al-Duhur military airfield.
Israel said Turkey was conducting “dangerous adventures in Syria” and said the strikes were necessary to prevent a Turkish military buildup along its borders. The Israeli prime minister’s office said Syria “was on the verge of breaching” a security agreement with Israel “by permitting Turkish troops to deploy at an airbase near Aleppo.”
Syria claims there were no hostile intentions, and Turkey objected to Israel’s actions, claiming that “there was no Turkish presence at the airbase.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “Israel will not allow any entity to threaten its security. It is preferable for Erdogan to continue delivering empty, delusional speeches against Israel in the Turkish parliament rather than testing Israel’s resolve to defend itself.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had told Syria not to allow Turkish forces to use the airbase: “Our message was very clear: Don’t. I guess they didn’t quite understand the message.”
While Turkey claims it does not intend to use the airbase, Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, had admitted that Turkish military officials had visited the base recently. But he said the reason was for “ongoing military cooperation in the areas of training and the exchange of expertise.”
Turkey already has a significant military presence in other parts of Syria. And it is a major ally of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
So Israel has every reason to express concerned.
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Economic D-Day Against Iran
On Wednesday, Trump warned that any country that provides “any type of lifeline to Iran” would face consequences. Trump has said he will impose an “unprecedented” level of financial sanctions and isolation against Iran in what he has called an “economic D-Day.”
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not provide details about the Trump administration’s plans, but said that the US will take action against countries that still do business with Iran: “If you insist on doing business with them, then the US Treasury and US government will put its full might and force against you. It’s time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision.”
Earlier today, Iran promised that it would bring a “devastating” response upon the US for its toughest-ever financial restrictions. Major General Ali Abdollahi, the chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, said, “With preparedness across land, sea, air, air defense and cyberspace, Iran’s armed forces will respond to the enemy’s new threats with crushing, punishing and devastating responses.”
And Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “We must make plans to deal with the unjust sanctions so that we can overcome them.”
Trump’s plan is seen as an attempt to bring an end to the “Iran problem” before the fast-approaching midterm elections, which could determine whether or not Republicans are able to preserve their narrow majorities in Congress.
On Wednesday, Trump warned that any country that provides “any type of lifeline to Iran” would face consequences. Trump has said he will impose an “unprecedented” level of financial sanctions and isolation against Iran in what he has called an “economic D-Day.”
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not provide details about the Trump administration’s plans, but said that the US will take action against countries that still do business with Iran: “If you insist on doing business with them, then the US Treasury and US government will put its full might and force against you. It’s time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision.”
Earlier today, Iran promised that it would bring a “devastating” response upon the US for its toughest-ever financial restrictions. Major General Ali Abdollahi, the chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, said, “With preparedness across land, sea, air, air defense and cyberspace, Iran’s armed forces will respond to the enemy’s new threats with crushing, punishing and devastating responses.”
And Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “We must make plans to deal with the unjust sanctions so that we can overcome them.”
Trump’s plan is seen as an attempt to bring an end to the “Iran problem” before the fast-approaching midterm elections, which could determine whether or not Republicans are able to preserve their narrow majorities in Congress.
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Words of Encouragement
In Revelation 3:8, Jesus told the church at Philadelphia, “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.” While teaching on this passage, Bible teacher Ray Stedman made this observation:
“It is the Word of God that enables us to know the character of Jesus, to have fellowship with Him, to build His character into our own lives. His name is to be the identifying mark upon our lives. As non-Christians watch us live out our faith amid the stress and pressure of the real world, they are to see the imprint of the name Jesus in all that we do.
“When Jesus is present with us throughout each day, and when our lives serve to reflect the life and character of Christ, then doors of ministry open before us. This is true of each believer in an individual sense, and it is true of entire churches.”
Ray C. Stedman, God’s Final Word: Understanding Revelation, pages 83-84
In Revelation 3:8, Jesus told the church at Philadelphia, “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.” While teaching on this passage, Bible teacher Ray Stedman made this observation:
“It is the Word of God that enables us to know the character of Jesus, to have fellowship with Him, to build His character into our own lives. His name is to be the identifying mark upon our lives. As non-Christians watch us live out our faith amid the stress and pressure of the real world, they are to see the imprint of the name Jesus in all that we do.
“When Jesus is present with us throughout each day, and when our lives serve to reflect the life and character of Christ, then doors of ministry open before us. This is true of each believer in an individual sense, and it is true of entire churches.”
Ray C. Stedman, God’s Final Word: Understanding Revelation, pages 83-84
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Scripture: Our Sure Foundation and Hope
In Psalm 77, we read of a time when the psalmist was in such great despair that he wrote, “My soul refuses to be comforted…I am so troubled that I cannot speak” (verses 2, 4).
So great was his anguish that he asked, “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” (verses 7-9).
When we find ourselves in that kind of dark place, where do we find hope?
The psalmist then shares where we can find encouragement:
“Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples” (verses 10-14).
When the future looks uncertain, we can remind ourselves of the ways God has been faithful in the past—not only to us, but to all His people. He has always shown Himself to uphold His own.
God’s faithfulness to us in the past assures us of His continued faithfulness in the future. Psalm 37:24 promises, “Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” The Bible never promises that we will be free of suffering or hardships. But we are told the Lord will sustain us in the midst of our pain.
No matter what adversity we face, we can take comfort in the truth that it is temporary. There is coming a day when we will have no more tribulations. As Romans 8:18 says, “The sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”
So when you’re down and discouraged, take time to remember, ponder, and meditate upon God’s past faithfulness. As you look to Him and His track record, you’ll gain the assurance that He will remain faithful to you into the future.
In Psalm 77, we read of a time when the psalmist was in such great despair that he wrote, “My soul refuses to be comforted…I am so troubled that I cannot speak” (verses 2, 4).
So great was his anguish that he asked, “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” (verses 7-9).
When we find ourselves in that kind of dark place, where do we find hope?
The psalmist then shares where we can find encouragement:
“Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples” (verses 10-14).
When the future looks uncertain, we can remind ourselves of the ways God has been faithful in the past—not only to us, but to all His people. He has always shown Himself to uphold His own.
God’s faithfulness to us in the past assures us of His continued faithfulness in the future. Psalm 37:24 promises, “Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” The Bible never promises that we will be free of suffering or hardships. But we are told the Lord will sustain us in the midst of our pain.
No matter what adversity we face, we can take comfort in the truth that it is temporary. There is coming a day when we will have no more tribulations. As Romans 8:18 says, “The sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”
So when you’re down and discouraged, take time to remember, ponder, and meditate upon God’s past faithfulness. As you look to Him and His track record, you’ll gain the assurance that He will remain faithful to you into the future.
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Iran Threatens 45 Tankers with Fines, Confiscation
In an attempt to continue controlling the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers that had broken rules set by Iran, and threatened them with fines and having their cargo confiscated.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority posted the threat on X last night. Iran has demanded that shipowners should obtain clearance from Iran before crossing the Strait, insisting that the vessels pay for Iran’s security services.
Iran has document the names of the ships it claims were in violation of Iran’s rules, and has said the shipping firms that want the names removed from the list must submit a request to Iran’s maritime authorities. Otherwise, non-compliant vessels are in danger of fines and confiscation.
In an attempt to continue controlling the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers that had broken rules set by Iran, and threatened them with fines and having their cargo confiscated.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority posted the threat on X last night. Iran has demanded that shipowners should obtain clearance from Iran before crossing the Strait, insisting that the vessels pay for Iran’s security services.
Iran has document the names of the ships it claims were in violation of Iran’s rules, and has said the shipping firms that want the names removed from the list must submit a request to Iran’s maritime authorities. Otherwise, non-compliant vessels are in danger of fines and confiscation.
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Flashpoint of Contention Between Israel and Turkey
On August 18, Israel carried out a strike against the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria to warn against a Turkish military presence at the base. Israel says Turkey was setting up arrangements for a Turkish deployment there, at a location that Israel felt is too dangerously close for security purposes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel refuses to allow a Turkish military buildup at the base “because it threatens us.”
In response, Syrian officials have denied that there are any plans for a Turkish presence at the base.
Since then, Israel’s Mossad chief Roman Gofman has met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Jordan to discuss “lowering the temperature” over the confrontation between the two countries.
In reference to the conflict, Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, offered this observation, which was quoted in The Jerusalem Post: “Once the Turks are able to deploy in Syria, at airbases or elsewhere, they could establish air-defense missiles, radars, or other systems that would complicate the situation for the Israeli Air Force.”
Michael added that Turkey has “hegemonic aspirations in the broader Middle East, and they see Israel as the main obstacle to the realization of those aspirations. They want a weak Israel; they do not want a strong Israel.”
On August 18, Israel carried out a strike against the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria to warn against a Turkish military presence at the base. Israel says Turkey was setting up arrangements for a Turkish deployment there, at a location that Israel felt is too dangerously close for security purposes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel refuses to allow a Turkish military buildup at the base “because it threatens us.”
In response, Syrian officials have denied that there are any plans for a Turkish presence at the base.
Since then, Israel’s Mossad chief Roman Gofman has met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Jordan to discuss “lowering the temperature” over the confrontation between the two countries.
In reference to the conflict, Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, offered this observation, which was quoted in The Jerusalem Post: “Once the Turks are able to deploy in Syria, at airbases or elsewhere, they could establish air-defense missiles, radars, or other systems that would complicate the situation for the Israeli Air Force.”
Michael added that Turkey has “hegemonic aspirations in the broader Middle East, and they see Israel as the main obstacle to the realization of those aspirations. They want a weak Israel; they do not want a strong Israel.”
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US to Step Up the Suffocation of Iran’s Financial Network
Yesterday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Trump administration is stepping up its sanctions against Iran and those who have business ties with it.
At a press conference, Bessent said, “We are launching an economic onslaught against Iran’s financial connections around the globe. Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone.”
He added, “We are going to hold everyone accountable, and this is economic asphyxiation of this regime.”
Among the targets of the new plan are “determinations against five critical sectors—digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping—that the Iranian regime uses to try to prop up its failing economy.”
Bessent then warned that any business or country “that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the US dollar system.”
At no point did Bessent name the nations that might face sanctions for their dealings with Iran, such as China. When asked specifically about Chinese banks, Bessent simply said that “no one is above the reach of US sanctions.”
President Xi of China is scheduled to visit the US for a summit with Trump on September 24, 2026. China is currently one of Iran’s biggest economic lifelines, buying an estimated 90 percent of Iran’s oil.
Yesterday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Trump administration is stepping up its sanctions against Iran and those who have business ties with it.
At a press conference, Bessent said, “We are launching an economic onslaught against Iran’s financial connections around the globe. Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone.”
He added, “We are going to hold everyone accountable, and this is economic asphyxiation of this regime.”
Among the targets of the new plan are “determinations against five critical sectors—digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping—that the Iranian regime uses to try to prop up its failing economy.”
Bessent then warned that any business or country “that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the US dollar system.”
At no point did Bessent name the nations that might face sanctions for their dealings with Iran, such as China. When asked specifically about Chinese banks, Bessent simply said that “no one is above the reach of US sanctions.”
President Xi of China is scheduled to visit the US for a summit with Trump on September 24, 2026. China is currently one of Iran’s biggest economic lifelines, buying an estimated 90 percent of Iran’s oil.
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Objections to US “Economic D-Day” Against Iran
After Scott Bessent announced the US economic D-Day against Iran, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded by saying, “The Americans know that no one believes their bluster. Economically, the United States is not in a position to further restrict its relations with other countries.”
Ghalibaf also posted on X, “Iran’s trading partners have stated—both publicly in the media and in messages sent to us—that they attach no importance to these remarks.”
Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said in an Iranian TV interview that the US has “done everything they could to test the determination of the Iranian people and the country’s officials, but they have failed every time…We have been waiting for these plans for a long time, and the government is and was ready and has a two-year plan to manage these events.”
Iran’s terrorist proxies in Yemen—the Houthis—warned that any Middle Eastern country that “joins [the] US economic war on Iran [will] pay the price.”
And earlier today, a foreign ministry spokesperson in China said that Beijing objected to the latest US measures against Iran.
Speaking to reporters, Lin Jian said, “Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted. China has already stated many times that it firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions. China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests.”
After Scott Bessent announced the US economic D-Day against Iran, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded by saying, “The Americans know that no one believes their bluster. Economically, the United States is not in a position to further restrict its relations with other countries.”
Ghalibaf also posted on X, “Iran’s trading partners have stated—both publicly in the media and in messages sent to us—that they attach no importance to these remarks.”
Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said in an Iranian TV interview that the US has “done everything they could to test the determination of the Iranian people and the country’s officials, but they have failed every time…We have been waiting for these plans for a long time, and the government is and was ready and has a two-year plan to manage these events.”
Iran’s terrorist proxies in Yemen—the Houthis—warned that any Middle Eastern country that “joins [the] US economic war on Iran [will] pay the price.”
And earlier today, a foreign ministry spokesperson in China said that Beijing objected to the latest US measures against Iran.
Speaking to reporters, Lin Jian said, “Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted. China has already stated many times that it firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions. China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests.”
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Will the New Economic Sanctions Work?
Maia Nikoladze at Atlantic Council said, “The biggest question is Beijing’s response, since Chinese refineries have been absorbing nearly 90 percent of Iranian oil.” She observed that Trump’s measures “could prompt Chinese countermeasures, particularly in critical minerals.” This matters because the US is heavily dependent on China for critical minerals.
Iran expert Jonathan Harounoff said, in a Fox digital interview, “Ultimately, this pressure campaign will likely continue to cripple the regime and set the stage for perhaps yet another domestic uprising. The precise timing of such a revolt is impossible to predict.”
My personal observation is that before Trump’s new plan was announced, Iran has already had many severe sanctions imposed against it globally. The US has had sanctions in place since 1979, and Iran has cleverly created many workarounds to keep its economy going.
One of Iran’s biggest lifelines is China. Will the Trump administration go so far as to take direct steps to sever Chinese economic support of Iran? And provoke Chinese retaliation of some kind? That issue could end up being at the top of the agenda when Trump and Xi meet in Washington, DC in late September.
Maia Nikoladze at Atlantic Council said, “The biggest question is Beijing’s response, since Chinese refineries have been absorbing nearly 90 percent of Iranian oil.” She observed that Trump’s measures “could prompt Chinese countermeasures, particularly in critical minerals.” This matters because the US is heavily dependent on China for critical minerals.
Iran expert Jonathan Harounoff said, in a Fox digital interview, “Ultimately, this pressure campaign will likely continue to cripple the regime and set the stage for perhaps yet another domestic uprising. The precise timing of such a revolt is impossible to predict.”
My personal observation is that before Trump’s new plan was announced, Iran has already had many severe sanctions imposed against it globally. The US has had sanctions in place since 1979, and Iran has cleverly created many workarounds to keep its economy going.
One of Iran’s biggest lifelines is China. Will the Trump administration go so far as to take direct steps to sever Chinese economic support of Iran? And provoke Chinese retaliation of some kind? That issue could end up being at the top of the agenda when Trump and Xi meet in Washington, DC in late September.
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Iran and Oman Said to Have Reached Agreement About Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reports that Iran and Oman have determined the terms under which they will oversee the Strait of Hormuz and charge fees for vessels using the waterway.
The terms of the revenue-sharing agreement have not been revealed. In a joint statement, Iran and Oman said, “The proposed framework includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines.”
The arrangement has been described as temporary, with negotiations to continue until the two nations “reach an understanding on a new permanent and sustainable route.”
So far, it appears that the plan is for incoming vessels to go through Iranian waters, whereas outgoing vessels would go through waters claimed by both Iran and Oman.
For now, the nations have said the Strait will remain closed until the US accepts the conditions they have set for use of the Strait.
Trump, meanwhile, has said the Strait has already been de-mined. And 10 days ago, he warned that if Oman takes part in attempting to keep the Strait closed, the US would bomb the country.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reports that Iran and Oman have determined the terms under which they will oversee the Strait of Hormuz and charge fees for vessels using the waterway.
The terms of the revenue-sharing agreement have not been revealed. In a joint statement, Iran and Oman said, “The proposed framework includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines.”
The arrangement has been described as temporary, with negotiations to continue until the two nations “reach an understanding on a new permanent and sustainable route.”
So far, it appears that the plan is for incoming vessels to go through Iranian waters, whereas outgoing vessels would go through waters claimed by both Iran and Oman.
For now, the nations have said the Strait will remain closed until the US accepts the conditions they have set for use of the Strait.
Trump, meanwhile, has said the Strait has already been de-mined. And 10 days ago, he warned that if Oman takes part in attempting to keep the Strait closed, the US would bomb the country.
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UK Ready to Cancel Trade with West Bank
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in response to Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, has threatened to place a total ban on trade involving goods from the West Bank.
The sanctions are likely to include action taken against individual Israeli leaders and settlers who have either encouraged the violence or failed to take action against it.
According to a British media report, the trade ban could occur “within weeks.” In response, a pro-Israel advocacy group in London—known as Labour Friends of Israel—has expressed concern that Burnham’s ban could end up becoming a “de facto boycott of all of Israel.”
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in response to Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, has threatened to place a total ban on trade involving goods from the West Bank.
The sanctions are likely to include action taken against individual Israeli leaders and settlers who have either encouraged the violence or failed to take action against it.
According to a British media report, the trade ban could occur “within weeks.” In response, a pro-Israel advocacy group in London—known as Labour Friends of Israel—has expressed concern that Burnham’s ban could end up becoming a “de facto boycott of all of Israel.”
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US No Longer Considers Syria a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Two days ago, the Trump administration dropped Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. This now makes it possible for businesses to invest in the country and do trade with it.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “These actions were all taken in recognition of the positive actions taken and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance Syria from acts of international terrorism.”
Rubio added, "In the past year, the Government of Syria has taken significant steps to counterterrorism, to include formally joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November and conducting operations to disrupt the terror networks of ISIS, al-Qa’ida, Hezbollah, and Iran-aligned groups.”
However—in spite of the fact Syria has worked to counter ISIS and Iran, its armed forces have participated in the persecution and killing of large numbers of Druze and Christian civilians who live in Syria.
And Syria is now a puppet of President Erdogan in Turkey, who is a supporter of the terrorist groups Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Erdogan is now working to spread his brand of Islamic terror in the Middle East, and is becoming an increasingly dangerous foe of Israel.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration has turned a blind eye toward what is happening behind the scenes in Syria—to the detriment of innocent minority populations who live in Syria, as well as to the detriment of Israel’s security.
Two days ago, the Trump administration dropped Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. This now makes it possible for businesses to invest in the country and do trade with it.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “These actions were all taken in recognition of the positive actions taken and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance Syria from acts of international terrorism.”
Rubio added, "In the past year, the Government of Syria has taken significant steps to counterterrorism, to include formally joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November and conducting operations to disrupt the terror networks of ISIS, al-Qa’ida, Hezbollah, and Iran-aligned groups.”
However—in spite of the fact Syria has worked to counter ISIS and Iran, its armed forces have participated in the persecution and killing of large numbers of Druze and Christian civilians who live in Syria.
And Syria is now a puppet of President Erdogan in Turkey, who is a supporter of the terrorist groups Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Erdogan is now working to spread his brand of Islamic terror in the Middle East, and is becoming an increasingly dangerous foe of Israel.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration has turned a blind eye toward what is happening behind the scenes in Syria—to the detriment of innocent minority populations who live in Syria, as well as to the detriment of Israel’s security.
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More than 2,200 Make Aliyah from the USA to Israel
Over the course of this summer, more than 2,200 Jewish immigrants have chosen to relocate from the USA to Israel.
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, the cofounder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization that helps North American Jews to move to Israel, said, “The historic wave of Aliyah we are experiencing this summer is the most moving testimony to the resilience of Jewish people and to the deep connection between North American Jewry and the State of Israel. The fact that thousands of families and young people are choosing to relocate their lives and build their futures here, especially at this time, is a Zionist shot in the arm and an enormous engine of growth for Israeli society and the economy.”
Over the course of this summer, more than 2,200 Jewish immigrants have chosen to relocate from the USA to Israel.
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, the cofounder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization that helps North American Jews to move to Israel, said, “The historic wave of Aliyah we are experiencing this summer is the most moving testimony to the resilience of Jewish people and to the deep connection between North American Jewry and the State of Israel. The fact that thousands of families and young people are choosing to relocate their lives and build their futures here, especially at this time, is a Zionist shot in the arm and an enormous engine of growth for Israeli society and the economy.”
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More Than 100 UN Workers Connected to Hamas’s October 7 Attack on Israel
Yesterday, the office of the inspector general for USAID announced that it has identified more than 100 current or former United Nations Relief and Works Agency staffers who either took part in Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel or are affiliated with Hamas.
Out of the 100 names submitted for further investigation, three individuals have already been identified for either suspension or debarment. All three are former UNRWA schoolteachers. One helped to kidnap hostages during the terror attacks, another has been identified as a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative, and the third helped to hold hostages captive.
Yesterday, the office of the inspector general for USAID announced that it has identified more than 100 current or former United Nations Relief and Works Agency staffers who either took part in Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel or are affiliated with Hamas.
Out of the 100 names submitted for further investigation, three individuals have already been identified for either suspension or debarment. All three are former UNRWA schoolteachers. One helped to kidnap hostages during the terror attacks, another has been identified as a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative, and the third helped to hold hostages captive.
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IDF Destroys Hamas Weapons Hidden Inside Mosques
We all know that Hamas hides its weapons in places that expose Palestinian civilians to danger. Hamas has stored and hidden its rocket launchers and weapons in schools, in hospitals, under neighborhoods, and in mosques—thus using civilians as human shields, making it extremely difficult for the IDF to eradicate Hamas’s presence in Gaza.
Earlier this week, the IDF and Shin Bet destroyed five storage facilities in which Hamas had hidden rockets, grenades, firearms, and explosive devices.
All five storage sites were inside mosques—leading the IDF to say, “This is another example of Hamas’ systematic exploitation of the civilian population and infrastructure, including mosques and humanitarian infrastructure, in violation of international law.”
Remember how Trump’s Board of Peace has urged Hamas to surrender its weapons?
I believe it is safe to say Hamas will NEVER comply 100 percent with that request. A terrorist organization that hides weapons of war inside mosques—in flagrant violation of international law—clearly has every intention of hiding as many weapons as possible in the hopes they will escape detection.
As Hamas continues to stall and delay the turning over of its weapons, who knows how many of those weapons are being hidden illegally in the hopes of rising up against Israel again in the future?
We all know that Hamas hides its weapons in places that expose Palestinian civilians to danger. Hamas has stored and hidden its rocket launchers and weapons in schools, in hospitals, under neighborhoods, and in mosques—thus using civilians as human shields, making it extremely difficult for the IDF to eradicate Hamas’s presence in Gaza.
Earlier this week, the IDF and Shin Bet destroyed five storage facilities in which Hamas had hidden rockets, grenades, firearms, and explosive devices.
All five storage sites were inside mosques—leading the IDF to say, “This is another example of Hamas’ systematic exploitation of the civilian population and infrastructure, including mosques and humanitarian infrastructure, in violation of international law.”
Remember how Trump’s Board of Peace has urged Hamas to surrender its weapons?
I believe it is safe to say Hamas will NEVER comply 100 percent with that request. A terrorist organization that hides weapons of war inside mosques—in flagrant violation of international law—clearly has every intention of hiding as many weapons as possible in the hopes they will escape detection.
As Hamas continues to stall and delay the turning over of its weapons, who knows how many of those weapons are being hidden illegally in the hopes of rising up against Israel again in the future?
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Sanctions Instead of Negotiations
After months of repeatedly attempting to negotiate with Iran about its nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and other issues, President Trump has finally decided to focus solely on using economic pressure to end the war with Iran.
Trump has expressed no interest in returning to the Memorandum of Understanding, and instead, is hoping that Operation Economic Outcast will bring about the collapse of the Iranian regime.
The goal of the latest round of sanctions is to cut off the financial lifelines that have helped to sustain the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to the US Department of Treasury’s website, it has “mapped the networks, facilitators, and financial channels that Iran uses to smuggle oil, evade sanctions, and fund terror…The Iranian regime faces a clear choice: severe global isolation or a path to reintegration with the global economy.”
The big challenge is whether the US will include sanctions against Chinese banks—China has strong ties with Iran. When a reporter asked Trump directly whether he would sanction Chinese banks for their connections with Iran, he was evasive, saying, “Who said I’m not? You don’t know if I’m doing it…I don’t have to announce everything, do I?”
Yesterday, former Mossad chief David Barnea said the new sanctions were “another step” toward causing the Iranian regime to collapse. “Today, the entire world knows that the Iranian issue is not ours alone. The world is starting to understand that if the problem is not resolved, whether by ballistic missiles, terrorism, or nuclear weapons of mass destruction, should [Iran] ever have one.”
After months of repeatedly attempting to negotiate with Iran about its nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and other issues, President Trump has finally decided to focus solely on using economic pressure to end the war with Iran.
Trump has expressed no interest in returning to the Memorandum of Understanding, and instead, is hoping that Operation Economic Outcast will bring about the collapse of the Iranian regime.
The goal of the latest round of sanctions is to cut off the financial lifelines that have helped to sustain the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to the US Department of Treasury’s website, it has “mapped the networks, facilitators, and financial channels that Iran uses to smuggle oil, evade sanctions, and fund terror…The Iranian regime faces a clear choice: severe global isolation or a path to reintegration with the global economy.”
The big challenge is whether the US will include sanctions against Chinese banks—China has strong ties with Iran. When a reporter asked Trump directly whether he would sanction Chinese banks for their connections with Iran, he was evasive, saying, “Who said I’m not? You don’t know if I’m doing it…I don’t have to announce everything, do I?”
Yesterday, former Mossad chief David Barnea said the new sanctions were “another step” toward causing the Iranian regime to collapse. “Today, the entire world knows that the Iranian issue is not ours alone. The world is starting to understand that if the problem is not resolved, whether by ballistic missiles, terrorism, or nuclear weapons of mass destruction, should [Iran] ever have one.”
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Words of Encouragement
“Jesus Christ once left heaven for earth in humiliation. He’ll be back in exaltation. He once left heaven to be killed. He will do it again to kill. He once left heaven to serve. He will do it again to be served. He once left heaven to offer grace. He will do it again to demand justice. He once left heaven to seek and to save. He will do it again to search and destroy. The question always in this book [of Revelation] is, are you ready? He is coming.”
John MacArthur, “The Certainty of the Second Coming,” Revelation 1:7-8, November 24, 1991
“Jesus Christ once left heaven for earth in humiliation. He’ll be back in exaltation. He once left heaven to be killed. He will do it again to kill. He once left heaven to serve. He will do it again to be served. He once left heaven to offer grace. He will do it again to demand justice. He once left heaven to seek and to save. He will do it again to search and destroy. The question always in this book [of Revelation] is, are you ready? He is coming.”
John MacArthur, “The Certainty of the Second Coming,” Revelation 1:7-8, November 24, 1991
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Scripture: Our Sure Foundation and Hope
In Psalm 8:1-6, David wrote,
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glories above the heavens…When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.”
David begins this hymn by proclaiming God’s infinite greatness. So vast and endless is God that His glories are “above the heavens”—His majesty extends beyond all that He has created. There is far more to the Creator than what creation can reveal to us.
As David marvels over the wonders of God’s handiwork, He asks, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” God is so exceedingly great that by comparison, man is nothing. Yet this high and exalted God who was able to create the entire universe from nothing has graciously and willingly lavished His care upon man. This shows the extent of His love for us.
Not only that, but God “crowned [man] with glory and honor” by entrusting him with the stewardship of all the earth. God has gifted us with a significant role in His creation.
We exist only because of God. Only He could have crafted this amazing universe that is our home. And He has given us dominion over a special part of His creation, the earth. Apart from God, none of this would have happened. In all His matchless greatness, He has chosen to give us an extraordinary place in His creation and to pour out His care upon us.
As we ponder God’s unsurpassing greatness, and as we think upon how much He loves us, there is only one appropriate response: a heart filled with ongoing adoration and praise.
In Psalm 8:1-6, David wrote,
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glories above the heavens…When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.”
David begins this hymn by proclaiming God’s infinite greatness. So vast and endless is God that His glories are “above the heavens”—His majesty extends beyond all that He has created. There is far more to the Creator than what creation can reveal to us.
As David marvels over the wonders of God’s handiwork, He asks, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” God is so exceedingly great that by comparison, man is nothing. Yet this high and exalted God who was able to create the entire universe from nothing has graciously and willingly lavished His care upon man. This shows the extent of His love for us.
Not only that, but God “crowned [man] with glory and honor” by entrusting him with the stewardship of all the earth. God has gifted us with a significant role in His creation.
We exist only because of God. Only He could have crafted this amazing universe that is our home. And He has given us dominion over a special part of His creation, the earth. Apart from God, none of this would have happened. In all His matchless greatness, He has chosen to give us an extraordinary place in His creation and to pour out His care upon us.
As we ponder God’s unsurpassing greatness, and as we think upon how much He loves us, there is only one appropriate response: a heart filled with ongoing adoration and praise.
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Flareup Between US and Iran
Yesterday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were preparing to launch rockets that have the capability of placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command carried out a preemptive strike—the first in a month—against the rocket launchers, which were based on Larak Island.
US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command, reported, “Earlier today U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island…Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes. U.S. forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway.”
Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at two US bases in Jordan. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack in Jordan was a “necessary and lawful answer” to the US strikes on Larak Island.
Yesterday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were preparing to launch rockets that have the capability of placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command carried out a preemptive strike—the first in a month—against the rocket launchers, which were based on Larak Island.
US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command, reported, “Earlier today U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island…Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes. U.S. forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway.”
Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at two US bases in Jordan. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack in Jordan was a “necessary and lawful answer” to the US strikes on Larak Island.
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US Treasury Secretary: Iran Is “Losing Economically”
Earlier this morning at a meeting for G20 finance ministers, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded to the news about yesterday’s flareup by saying, ‘I would think that they are lashing out kinetically because they are losing economically.”
At the G20 meeting, Bessent is urging other countries to cut their financial ties with Iran, warning that not to do so could sever their access to the US financial system.
Bessent did not identify which countries the US is going after, but said, “We know who they are. They know who they are. So when the hammer of U.S. Treasury actions fall upon them, they will have no one to blame but themselves.”
Earlier this morning at a meeting for G20 finance ministers, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded to the news about yesterday’s flareup by saying, ‘I would think that they are lashing out kinetically because they are losing economically.”
At the G20 meeting, Bessent is urging other countries to cut their financial ties with Iran, warning that not to do so could sever their access to the US financial system.
Bessent did not identify which countries the US is going after, but said, “We know who they are. They know who they are. So when the hammer of U.S. Treasury actions fall upon them, they will have no one to blame but themselves.”
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