Breaking News — Feb 28, 2026

Saturday, February 28, 2026

The United States and the Israel Defense Forces have carried out joint strikes against the Iranian regime in what leaders are calling a decisive intervention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have said the goal is to stop Iran from building up ballistic missiles and developing nuclear weapons.

A strong warning has been sent to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The message is, “Lay down your weapons and be granted immunity, or face lethal consequences.” Early strikes reportedly targeted IRGC command centres and locations tied to Ali Khamenei, showing that the focus is on the regime’s power, not the Iranian people.

For the people of Iran, the message has been different. President Trump and Reza Pahlavi have called this a critical moment, encouraging citizens to act with courage and unity. Pahlavi said this is not a war, but an intervention, with the goal that once the regime falls, power will return to the Iranian people.

This point matters because many reports say the IRGC has used force against its own people. Some estimates claim that between 30,000 and 80,000 Iranians have been killed. The exact number is not known because the regime shut down communication with the outside world before cracking down on people who were protesting for freedom.

The danger is real. Missiles have been fired toward Israel and intercepted by the iron dome, with help from U.S. forces. Lives are at risk in Iran, Israel, and among U.S. troops in the region. Reports that IRGC have been moved into hospitals and civilian areas raise serious humanitarian concerns.

This is not a simple conflict. Iran has spent years building proxy forces and openly threatening Israel and the United States. These proxies, or what’s left of them are expected to join the fight.

We have noticed the timing. This is happening during Purim, the Jewish festival remembering how God protected His people in the days of Esther. Then, what was meant for destruction turned into deliverance. We have hope that this moment could also be a turning point for the Iranian people, who have lived under fear and oppression for decades.

The days ahead will be difficult. But many are praying that, like in Esther’s time, this will be a moment where courage rises, evil is restrained, and a people step into a future shaped not by fear, but by hope.

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

Psalm 34:7

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Prayer points

• Pray for the protection of all innocent civilians in Iran, Israel, and areas where U.S. troops are deployed.

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4

• Pray for restraint in the conflict, that violence does not escalate beyond what is necessary.

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

• Pray for wisdom and courage for those in authority making decisions during this operation.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

• Pray that those in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be removed. Now that US and Israel have started this war, pray that they would remain until the heads of this regime are neutralized. Anything less would not be good for Iranian people.

“The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.” Psalm 37:12–13

• Pray for the people of Iran, that they would find courage and unity in this pivotal moment.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

• Pray for divine protection over hospitals, schools, and civilian areas that may be at risk.

“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” Psalm 12:5

• Pray that this moment could become a turning point toward peace, freedom, and safety for all affected.

“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.” Psalm 46:9

• Pray for God’s hand to intervene in unseen ways, restraining the proud and uplifting the oppressed.

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9–10

Pray for the Christian church in Iran. Despite severe persecution, especially against new believers, it has become one of the fastest-growing Christian communities in the world. Pray that they would continue to explode in numbers with the knowledge of Jesus.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Ephesians 3:16–17

Blessings,

Chris & Marilyn Byberg

Executive Directors

National House of Prayer