“אַרְיֵה שָׁאָג מִי לֹא יִירָא “

“The lion has roared, who will not fear?…” Amos 3:8a

The world is trying to understand President Trump’s intentions. So far, there are only speculations. Only Trump and Netanyahu know for sure. Their relationship is close-knit.

Trump’s sudden announcement of postponing the ultimatum to Iran for five more days surprised even the Iranian leaders, who were quick to announce that there were no talks between the two countries, and they were continuing full speed with their attacks. The war goes on.

With oil prices rising worldwide, Americans are worried about a serious oil crisis.

Trump’s announcement has caused an immediate drop in oil prices, with hopes that the war might end within these five days. This is exactly the illusion Trump intends to create.

Trump’s timing corresponds to the arrival of some thousands of American Marines as “boots on the ground” who will join the Air Force in battle. There are certain targets that are difficult for the Air Force to hit alone.

With his announcement, President Trump has gained more time to lower oil prices and play a guessing game with the world and the Iranians that, through negotiations, there could be a chance for peace.

Some countries desire to act as mediators. Qatar, which has good relations with the U.S., along with Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, is working behind the scenes to that end.

The Iranian regime strongly denies any direct talks or negotiations. While Trump is known to prefer negotiations, Iran blames him for having tricked them in the previous February talks when they believed he would not attack before they were able to prolong the talks. However, all along, Trump and Netanyahu had planned the February 28 surprise attack, ten days after he had given his 15-day ultimatum.

This time, the ultimatum affected most of the Gulf nations, which were very nervous and fearful about Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum.

Most were sure that Trump, known to carry out what he says, would act upon his ultimatum and attack Iran’s oil sites, causing an Iranian retaliation of missile attacks upon them as well. Now they can relax a little, at least for the next five days.

Trump is very familiar with the mindset of those countries. He is calming worries over the world oil market, even in the U.S., especially among Democrats and progressive liberals who oppose him. in a single tweet, he was able to lower oil prices. 

The supposed talks are being conducted under fire. The war has not stopped. Attacks by Israel’s air force and the American air force continue as we speak.

What will happen in these five days and after is anyone’s guess. There is much speculation in the media around the world, and in Israel, Most Israelis want the war to go on until total victory, aegnst the Iranian regime and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

According to President Trump, there are “very good and productive” talks with Iran. He states:
     “Regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East…which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to President Trump’s announcement:
     “Earlier today, I spoke with our friend, President Trump. He believes there is an opportunity to capitalize upon the tremendous achievements of the IDF (Israeli army, the Israeli Defense Force) and the US military and achieve the objectives of the war through an agreement that will preserve our vital interests.”
     “At the same time, we continue to strike both in Iran and in Lebanon, dismantling the missile and nuclear program piece by piece and continuing to deal severe blows to Hezbollah. Just a few days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists, and more actions are forthcoming. We will safeguard our vital interests under all circumstances.”

Prayers:

• Achievement of all war goals
• Elimination of all Iranian nuclear weapons
• Elimination of all deadly missiles
• Elimination of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard regime
• Freedom for Iranian Christians
• Increased revival in the nation
• Cessation of murdering innocent civilians
• Complete victory over the power of evil in Iran

[Image from LSE blogs – Source: Flickr, Haim Zach / GPO]