As expected, the United States and Israel have launched a large-scale military operation against the Iranian regime. This action was — or should have been — widely anticipated, due to the dramatic build-up of U.S. air assets in the region in recent weeks, coupled with the regime’s suicidal intransigence in diplomatic negotiations (more on the latter, crucial point in a moment). It is unclear how all of this will look when the dust settles.  

As we wait and attempt to separate fact from fiction, we pray for our men and women in uniform, for the oppressed people of Iran, for our allies, and for our leaders’ wisdom and foresight as they make consequential, life-and-death decisions. It has been encouraging to see positive statements of support from many of our partner governments. It has been inspiring to see videos of Iranians, both on the ground and in the diaspora, celebrating the very real prospect of long-yearned-for freedom. But setting emotion aside, was this attack the right call?