Israeli officials are expecting a visit from U.S. President Donald Trump on December 29. The meeting is expected to focus on the threat of Iran’s ballistic missile program. Now, The Jerusalem Post reports that the Islamic Republic has conducted missile tests across the country. An Iranian army official says it’s meant to test readiness, as it has not been confirmed if they were in response to the planned talks.
This announcement comes a week after Trump hinted at the possibility of talks with Iran while also warning the country against reconstituting its ballistic missile or nuclear programs. “If they do want to come back without a deal, then we’re going to obliterate that one, too,” Trump stated. “We can knock out their missiles very quickly; we have great power.”
The test launches come as Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (AJA), said during a visit to military units in the western part of the country that the troops maintained a high level of readiness and combat capability, Iran’s state-run news outlet IRNA reported, citing the army’s public relations office.
Other news sources have reported that Israeli leadership has warned the Trump administration that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard may use these military exercises as cover to launch an attack, raising fears of another confrontation like the 12-day war.
However, an Israeli official says the possibility of a new Iranian attack is less than 50%. But in the wake of October 7, Israel has a much lower tolerance for risk. U.S. intelligence also suggests that an Iranian strike is not imminent, with the country’s arms cut in half since the war earlier this year.
We naturally pray for shalom, peace, to prevail, but The Fellowship and our donors also pray for the safety and resolve of the brave men and women of the IDF in this delicate situation.