Missiles, Warnings, and a Countdown to Conflict

U.S. Repositions Amid Looming Iran-Israel Clash

By Tania Curado-Koenig | June 2025

Washington, D.C. — The United States’ decision to redirect 20,000 anti-drone missiles from Ukraine to the Middle East has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and military circles, triggering concerns of an imminent regional war. While the Pentagon has yet to confirm the final destination of the munitions, multiple Israeli officials have acknowledged that the bulk of the shipment is being integrated into Israel’s air defense system — a sign that the threat from Iran and its regional proxies is now considered immediate.

The missiles, designed to intercept Shahed-type drones, had been previously allocated to Ukraine. Their sudden diversion, confirmed on national television by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marks a rare public acknowledgment of shifting U.S. priorities. “This morning, my Defense Minister informed me that the United States had redirected 20,000 missiles to the Middle East,” Zelenskyy told ABC’s This Week on June 8.

Israel Moves to High Alert

According to The New York Times, Israel has formally notified U.S. officials that its military has completed operational planning to strike Iranian nuclear sites, particularly the underground facilities at Fordow and Natanz. Defense analysts in both Washington and Tel Aviv confirm that Israel has repositioned key assets across its northern and southern fronts, reinforcing air defense systems and elevating surveillance across hostile borders.

In an unusual move, the U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a travel restriction advisory to its personnel on Wednesday, prohibiting non-essential movement outside of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba. The alert follows a series of escalatory warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its affiliated militias across Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Trump Responds to Evacuations

While the Trump administration has maintained a tight lid on active operations, President Donald Trump made headlines Wednesday night when questioned during a red carpet appearance about the rapid evacuation of American citizens from the Middle East.

“This can be a dangerous place,” Trump said. “We’ve received warnings. You’ll have to wait and see.”

The comment came just hours before classified briefings were delivered to congressional defense committees regarding Israel’s military readiness and Iran’s nuclear acceleration.

Iran Escalates Rhetoric and Enrichment

An Iranian official responded Thursday, calling Israel’s posture “bluster” and accusing Washington of leveraging military threats to gain concessions at the negotiating table. “They want us to fold on our demands,” he said. “But we won’t.”

At the same time, Iran has announced that it will replace all first-generation centrifuges at its Fordow nuclear site with sixth-generation models — a move likely to provoke formal condemnation by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), whose Board of Governors remains in emergency session in Vienna.

Strategic Implications

The Biden administration, in its final year, had authorized the now-diverted missile shipment to Ukraine. That shipment never arrived in full, and under President Trump’s current national security calculus, those resources have been repurposed to the Middle East — indicating a major reassessment of risk.

What this shift confirms is that Israel is now the central front in the eyes of U.S. defense planners. With growing threats from Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iranian-backed militias, the decision to preemptively strengthen Israel’s defense grid appears aimed at preventing a worst-case scenario: a surprise, multi-front missile and drone assault.

A Remarkable Strategic Feat

Though it has drawn relatively little media attention, the speed and scale of this transfer were extraordinary. According to multiple U.S. and Ukrainian sources, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the redirection of the 20,000 anti-drone missiles on June 4, 2025. Just four days later, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed the diversion publicly on June 8. Moving tens of thousands of guided munitions — including advanced APKWS systems — within such a narrow timeframe reflects not only high-level coordination but urgent strategic readiness. For many military analysts, it stands as a rare example of American logistical and political clarity in a moment of rising global tension.

A Rapidly Narrowing Window

U.S. and Israeli military officials remain tight-lipped about possible timelines, but multiple diplomatic sources suggest that the window for diplomacy is closing fast. Should the IAEA issue a formal ruling of non-compliance — expected within days — the Trump administration may use it as legal and political cover to announce the end of nuclear negotiations with Tehran.

Such a move would likely be followed by either a unilateral Israeli strike or a joint allied operation against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

A Call to the Church: Pray for President Trump

As the situation intensifies, the role of President Donald Trump in repositioning U.S. support toward Israel must not go unnoticed. After the failure of Steve Witkoff’s backchannel diplomacy — which left Israel isolated and vulnerable — the Trump administration’s recent actions mark a return to clarity, urgency, and covenant-based alignment.

For the Church, this is a critical moment. While political leaders calculate strategy, God’s people must engage in intercession. President Trump is carrying the weight of volatile decisions that could reshape the region — and history.

He needs wisdom. He needs protection. He needs prayer.

And Israel does too. As tensions rise and a multi-front war looms, we must pray not only for President Trump but for Israel’s national leadership, its citizens, and especially the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Their readiness, courage, and protection are essential in the days ahead. The Church must stand in the gap, interceding boldly for Israel’s safety and for the clarity of God’s purposes to prevail in the land He calls His own.

Tania Curado-Koenig is a geopolitical analyst and contributor specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, U.S.-Israel relations, and biblical diplomacy. This article is part of her ongoing coverage of shifting alliances and prophetic turning points in global affairs.

Hegseth denies China’s claim that Golden Dome is ‘offensive’: ‘Protecting the homeland’

Hegseth also says appealing to God is ‘longstanding tradition’ in military dating back to George Washington

By Morgan Phillips Fox News

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth denied China’s claim the Golden Dome would turn space into a “war zone.”

 All we care about is protecting the homeland,” Hegseth told Fox News Digital while departing from a trip to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

President Donald Trump has said for a long time defense of the homeland is critical to his “America First” policy, and the Golden Dome is a generational investment. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Mao Ning claimed this week the Golden Dome has a “strong offensive nature and violates the principle of peaceful use in the Outer Space Treaty.”

Of course the communist of China would think a dome to protect America would be a bad idea, for them. Remember the old adage “me thinks thou protest too much.” I remember Reagan and the “Star Wars” idea of protection. When you are in politics and your opponent or in this case your enemy says it’s a bad idea, then you know it is worth doing.

We have seen the effectiveness of the Iron Dome in Israel, and their other defensive weaponry that has saved countless lives during the Hamas invasion. Now if we could just get something done about a possible cyber attack, which many experts tell us is a very likely possibility I would rest must easier. And by the way the leftist went ballistic over Pete’s prayer. I say that is what we need, much more prayer. This battle for our country is a battle for the soul of America, and that my friends is a spiritual battle! Rh

Memorial Day Weekend

Sitting here on a peaceful Saturday morning thinking of the upcoming weekend.  Let us not forget those who sacrificed all they had to serve our country.  Not only those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who because of injury are still suffering through a living hell.  My great appreciation for those who have a special dedication and calling to defend and protect the United States of America.  They deserve our highest honor and respect.  Praying for the family members who lost loved ones.  How difficult that must be.

As a young boy getting out of high school I was torn about the military.  The VietNam war was not only winding down, but a peace deal was in place.  Having heard the horrors of that undeclared war and the suffering it caused probably shaped me more than I knew at the time. My best friend and I almost joined the Air Force.  We definitely thought long and hard about it.  In the long run we decided it was not our life choice.  Looking back I wonder how different I would have been if that decision had been made to sign up.  We just never know….

The old adage is correct that they are only two people who would die for others, Jesus Christ and the American soldier.  The Bible says “that scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die.”  Jesus did that for us, He died even for those who hated Him and despised Him. One brought us everlasting life and the other paid a price they did not owe.  Thank you!  We are safer today and have a country that even with it’s problems is still the greatest country in the world. Our freedoms and liberties are safe guarded by those who today serve and defend those who really don’t deserve such dedication. 

For all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we salute you and honor your memory.  May the Lord bring comfort and peace to all families who lost a loved one.  Your sacrifice is not forgotten.  Rh

Attack Nuclear Sites or Negotiate

This is a memo I sent a friend about the division in the White House over an attack against Iran’s Nuclear sites. Pray for Wisdom that Trump will listen to the right advice. Intercession will carry the day! Please pray. Rh

Here is something I forgot to tell you about the division in the White House over war now with Iran.  Some are business favor of a strike others not so much.  

War side has Hegseth, NSA director, Military head of central command Gen Karulla and Rubio.

Against war & wanting more negotiations are Vance, Gabbard, Chief of Staff Susie  Wiles and Tucker Carlson who is an anti-Semite, or at least has many on his show.

This is the perfect time to strike, Iran has lost their radar abilities.  They are at their weakest point in many years.  Delay would only allow more time to make either a bomb or better delivery systems ie. missiles or rockets etc.

Pray God’s wisdom for Trump to make the right decision and to listen to the right voices.  As always this is a spiritual battle fought by intercessory! Rh

Please Mr. President Fire Witkoff

We go from not allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon, to now a reliving of past negotiations.  The latest word is that the renewed negotiations with Iran will concentrate on capping enrichment and enforcing stringent verification measures to block Tehran’s path to nuclear weapons, U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Monday.

”The President’s message of peace through strength…resonates throughout the world.  They (Iran) cannot have a bomb.  The conversation with the Iranians will be much about two critical points: enrichment, and ultimately verification on weaponization.”  Witkoff told Fox News.

Limiting enrichment has been tried before, remember the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)?  Who will make sure that a lower enrichment is followed?  Seems like the same old song and dance.  

Mr. President I love ya man, but your choice in friends reminds me of a love sick pre-teen girl.  You just want to love the bad boys.  Fire Witkoff and stand your ground.  No nuclear weapons for the worst supporter of terrorism inthe Middle East.  

It is now….or Iran will have a nuclear bomb.  Is that what you want your administration remembered for??  Rh

U.S. and Iran Nuclear Talks

The big event supposedly happened yesterday in Oman.  I say supposedly because they were not, as Trump deliriously told us last week that they would be face to face.  In fact these are indirect talks.  Which might be a blessing since I have no good reason to believe Witkoff can negotiate any deal with Iran.

After the meeting all the major players told us progress was made, (translation-we all showed up), and of course they acknowledged “diplomatic hurdles” and that those hurdles were very “complicated”.  Translation: Iran wants months for these talks to drag on so they can continue to process more nuclear material for a bomb.

Trump also addressed the negotiations while on Air Force One en route to an event in Miami, telling reporters. “It’s going OK.  I don’t want to say too much—nothing matters until it is finalized.  But it’s going OK. I think the Iran situation is looking fairly good.”  

Unfortunately butterfly kisses and positive thinking won’t get a deal done, it will take military action to accomplish ending the nuclear ambitions of Iran.

Pray for peace, but keep your powder dry! Rh

The War of Tariffs: How Far Can Ego Go?

By Tania Koenig

This is an excellent look at the turbulent times we live in and the uncertainty of our times. It truly is a war of the heavenlies. We must learn to fight the spiritual war. Rh

Donald Trump began his second term not just with political momentum, but with global reverence. At the 2024 reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, world leaders, kings, and queens stood to honor him—a gesture not born of ceremony, but of deep respect for his resilience. He had survived two assassination attempts, led a bold campaign against immense odds, and returned to the world stage carrying both gravitas and a defiant spirit.

Yet somewhere between honor and hubris, something shifted.

President Trump’s initial diplomacy toward Vladimir Putin gave way to frustration. After weeks of behind-the-scenes talks, he told NBC News he was now “very angry” with Putin, threatening a 50% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil unless a ceasefire in Ukraine is reached. Curiously, however, Russia and Belarus—central actors in the conflict—were not included in the retaliatory tariffs announced earlier this month.

Markets took note. So did the nations.

The American dollar tumbled. The euro surged to $1.30, shaking investor confidence. U.S. consumers are bearing the brunt of rising costs. The tariffs, intended as leverage, are beginning to resemble self-inflicted wounds.

This is no longer just a war of policy—it’s a war of pride. And ego is proving to be the most expensive currency of all.

Trump famously declared, “This war should have never happened—and it wouldn’t have happened if I were President.” But today, with no ceasefire in Ukraine, no progress in Gaza, no clarity with Iran, and no breakthrough with Putin, those words ring hollow.

Let’s be clear: Iran is not a place for simplistic posturing. The Iranians are masterful negotiators, many holding PhDs in international relations, law, and economic strategy. But beyond academic credentials lies a deeper reality: they are heirs of the Persian Empire, one of the most sophisticated civilizations in history.

From the days of Cyrus the Great to the intricate diplomacy of the Safavid and Qajar dynasties, Persians have wielded power not just with might—but with strategy, patience, and psychological brilliance. They understand time as an ally, not an enemy. They see the West’s rush for resolution as a weakness, not a virtue. In every negotiation, they think in centuries, not election cycles.

You don’t outtalk Iran. You outlast them—if you can.

And China? Xi Jinping isn’t reading The Art of the Deal. He’s studying The Art of War by Sun Tzu—a manual on subtlety, misdirection, and calculated control. Xi doesn’t shout; he waits. He lets the West play a loud, short game while he plays a quiet, long one.

This is not just a political reckoning—it’s a spiritual one.

The Bible warns us: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18

This is the moment the Church must rise—not to take political sides, but to take spiritual position. We must step into the role of watchmen, discerning the times, praying with authority, and calling leaders back to humility and wisdom.

Because this war—whether in Gaza, Ukraine, or global markets—will not be won in press rooms or tariff threats.

It will only be turned by divine intervention.

When diplomacy becomes theater, when world leaders are moved more by ego than wisdom, it is the Church that must return to the wall in prayer.

Because if the course ahead is left to ego, the world will fracture.

But if it is turned over to the Lord, we may yet see the kind of breakthrough that only Heaven can orchestrate.