We are now about three weeks into the ongoing conflict involving Iran, and it remains uncertain whether such an extended situation was expected. At this point, the Iranian government appears to be expanding the scope of the conflict.
A key development is the restriction on the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes daily, along with a large share of global natural gas. Many countries, especially in Asia, depend on this route for 30–50% of their oil. There are indications that countries like Japan may become more involved in protecting shipping routes in the region.
Additionally, Iran has launched attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. If this conflict persists, the global impact could be substantial, influencing economies, military stability, and political alliances worldwide.
For example, today a barrel of oil costs $110 US. Before the war, it was around $85. Even a small rise has a big effect because the world consumes 110 million barrels daily, so a $25 difference adds billions of dollars worldwide each day, impacting other sectors. Gas prices, transportation costs, food, and goods are getting more expensive, and inflation is increasing. However, this is not the final war described in Scripture, when all nations will gather for Armageddon. Still, it serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly the world could reach such a point.
Regarding Israel, its position in the world seems to be developing just as the Scriptures describe, becoming more isolated. It is now more frequently accused of provoking conflicts, and many contend that the United States mainly acts in support of Israeli interests in the region.
These accusations are increasing in international media and even more so on platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook, where Israel is often directly blamed. Last Tuesday, these claims grew stronger after the resignation of U.S. National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who argued that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States and suggested the war was driven by pressure from Israel and its allies. Just days later, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also said, during political questioning, that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. Some see this as additional proof that Israel influenced U.S. involvement. These claims have been strongly denied by President Trump.
What is the result of this rising global sentiment, both anti-Israel and increasingly anti-Jewish? Look at Europe: Belgium has deployed troops to guard synagogues, schools, and Jewish institutions. In Rome, soldiers now patrol Jewish sites. In France, long-standing police and military protection remains in place around many synagogues and Jewish schools. This reflects a broader and more visible increase in security measures, following a surge in antisemitic incidents across Europe and Iran’s call for Muslims worldwide not to allow Israel and Jews to feel secure. All these events are signs, clear reminders of the dangerous path the world is now following.
And here is more news. Despite a year of war on multiple fronts, Israel has once again ranked 8th in the World Happiness Report published this Thursday. Can you believe it? Many explanations are offered, but above all, there is one: God.
How can Israel rank so high when the United States is 23rd and Canada is 25th, especially when there is so much growing animosity against it? The report considers factors like economic stability, life expectancy, healthcare quality, social support, generosity, freedom of choice, and perceptions of corruption. Yet, all of these are present in this small, often criticized nation. This, too, is part of the miracle of Israel. While the world turns against it, the Lord remains there, present, faithful, and watching over His people. Amen.
Click here for the Video: Israel and the Nations – The Costs of Rising Hate