6 Christian Leaders Weigh In on the U.S.-Israel Attack on Iran

Here is how six prominent Christian leaders reacted:

Albert Mohler, president, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Israel was not going to stand by as Iran gained nuclear capacity. Neither was the United States,” Mohler wrote in a column at World Opinions. “Both had given up on any chance of an agreement, and both were advised of several crucial developments – including the facts that Iran was about to gain advanced hypersonic missiles from China, was continuing its terrorism and subversion, and was continuing its nuclear program. Late on Friday, Israeli and American intelligence determined that top Iranian leaders, including the supreme leader, were gathering. As we know now, it would be their last earthly gathering.

“The military strikes continue. Thus far, the first strikes already constitute the largest aerial attack ever launched by Israel. The United States is deeply committed. President Trump has called for the people of Iran to seize political control, but the future is by no means clear. Iran’s feared Revolutionary Guards remain strong, and no one yet knows how the events will unfold. President Trump has now effectively put his own political reputation on the line, and it is not clear how events will unfold.

“This much is clear: Ayatollah Khamenei will not be a part of that future. Any way you look at it, that’s good news. These massive attacks have forced open a door for a new future in Iran. Let’s pray that the right leadership emerges to point the Iranian people through that door. As President Trump said on Saturday to the Iranian people: ‘This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.’”

Greg Laurie, Harvest Christian Fellowship, California

“The death of the Ayatollah has sent shockwaves through the Middle East. Many Iranians are rejoicing around the world, hoping this marks the end of decades of oppression.

“This regime has backed terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and has persecuted its own people – including Christians. Yet despite intense opposition, Christianity has grown dramatically in Iran through house churches and underground believers. Persecution often fuels spiritual awakening.

“Remember, modern-day Iran is ancient Persia – the land of Esther, Daniel, and King Cyrus, whom God called His ‘anointed’ in Isaiah 45. God has worked in that nation before.

“Are we seeing Bible prophecy unfold? Scripture tells us not to set dates, but to watch and be ready. Ezekiel 38 mentions Persia in a future coalition against Israel. Events like these shouldn’t cause panic – they should move us to prayer.

“Pray for the Iranian people. Pray for Israel. Pray for peace. And pray that many come to Christ.

“Because the greatest revolution is not political – it’s spiritual.”

The death of the Ayatollah has sent shockwaves through the Middle East. Many Iranians are rejoicing around the world, hoping this marks the end of decades of oppression.

This regime has backed terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and has persecuted its own… pic.twitter.com/4h4J9WdBoe

— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) March 2, 2026

Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse

“Iranian expatriates are celebrating across the U.S. and around the world! I saw some in Minnesota yesterday,” Graham said. “They are thanking President @realDonaldTrump and America for taking action against the Islamic regime that held the people of Iran captive and brutally oppressed them for over four decades. Pray for our military and especially for the families of the four service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice as a part of Operation Epic Fury.”

Iranian expatriates are celebrating across the U.S. and around the world! I saw some in Minnesota yesterday. They are thanking President @realDonaldTrump and America for taking action against the Islamic regime that held the people of Iran captive and brutally oppressed them for…

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) March 2, 2026

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

“The growing conflict risks spiraling into a wider regional war,” Coakley said. “As the Holy Father has warned, we are faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions. My brother bishops and I unite our voice with our Holy Father and make the heartfelt appeal to all parties involved for diplomacy to regain its proper role. We ask for a halt to the spiral of violence, and a return to multilateral diplomatic engagement that seeks to uphold the ‘well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice.’ All nations, international bodies, and partners committed to peace must exert every effort to prevent further escalation.

“At this critical moment, I invite Catholics and all people of goodwill to continue our ardent prayers for peace in the Middle East, for the safety of our troops and the innocent, that leaders may seek dialogue over destruction, and pursue the common good over the tragedy of war.”

Susan Michael, USA Director, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, USA

“This development marks a pivotal moment for the Middle East, with potential consequences for regional stability, global security, and the future direction of Iran itself,” Michael wrote on Facebook.

“... The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem-USA stands firmly with Israel and is committed to mobilizing believers around the world in prayer. ICEJ President [Jürgen Bühler] urges the global Church to seek the Lord in this hour – praying for protection over Israel’s civilians, for strength and courage for those defending the nation, and for wise leadership and restraint that will prevent further escalation.

“Let us also pray that God’s purposes for the region will prevail, that peace and justice will ultimately be established, and that hope will rise even in the midst of uncertainty.”

Lana Silk, president and CEO of Transform Iran

“At this critical juncture, our response is not political commentary, but earnest prayer to ensure that whatever unfolds would lead to lasting transformation in Iran,” Silk said. “Our hearts are broken for the suffering the Iranian people have endured for nearly 50 years. No one has been left untouched, and many have lost family and friends in their pursuit of freedom. We grieve alongside them and pray especially for the most vulnerable. 

“Our deepest hope is not merely political change, but spiritual awakening. We pray for Iran’s leaders, and we remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. We do not pray for the destruction of people, but for the dismantling of wicked systems and the rise of leadership marked by justice, compassion, and goodness. 

“We call on Christians around the world to join us in prayer – that in the midst of upheaval, hearts would turn to Christ and fear would give way to faith. Having known only an Islamic Iran in my lifetime, I have long prayed for the day when worship can be expressed freely. We believe that day is drawing nearer. Until then, we remain committed to advocating for the Iranian people, strengthening the underground Church, and preparing to meet the humanitarian and spiritual needs that may lie ahead.

“Our deepest hope is not merely political change, but spiritual awakening, that God’s throne would indeed be established in the hearts of the Iranian people.”

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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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