American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI), a network of more than 3,000 Christian leaders representing tens of millions of American Christians, today issued the following statement in response to the joint United States-Israel military operations known as “Roaring Lion” and “Epic Fury.”
For more than four decades, Iran’s ruling regime has funded and directed terror proxies, threatened the annihilation of Israel, and fueled instability across the Middle East. ACLI leaders described the joint action as a significant development in confronting what they view as a sustained and escalating threat to Israel, the United States, and the broader free world.
Dr. Susan Michael, president of ICEJ USA and founder and director of ACLI, a project of ICEJ USA, said the network’s response reflects decades of combined engagement with the region, biblical understanding, and spiritual sobriety.
“For 45 years, the Iranian regime has exported terror, destabilized the region and openly threatened the destruction of Israel and America,” Michael said. “The United States and Israel have demonstrated that sovereign nations will not remain passive in the face of existential threats.
“But as Christian leaders, our response must be grounded in prayer and responsibility. We pray for the protection of American and Israeli service members, for wisdom and restraint among decision-makers, and for mercy toward civilians. We also pray for the Iranian people, many of whom have suffered grievously under this regime. Our hope is for the dismantling of terror and the emergence of greater freedom, security and stability.”
Several ACLI leaders spoke to the long history of Iranian hostility toward the United States.
Speaking from Israel where she has spent the last few days in bomb shelters, Tricia Miller, director of CAMERA’s Partnership of Christians & Jews, stated:
“Israel and the U.S. have launched a joint operation against the murderous Iranian regime, which has threatened to destroy America and the Jewish State ever since it came to power in 1979. As a major sponsor of terrorism, the regime has carried out multiple operations on its own and through its proxies, causing the deaths of many Israelis and Americans alike. Therefore, Israel and the U.S. stand on the right side of justice as they unite to defeat an evil regime that oppresses and murders its own people and threatens the survival of Israel and all of western society. American Christians must unite in prayer for a decisive victory that allows Israel, its neighbors, and the U.S. to live without the constant threat of nuclear weapons and missiles, all developed for the sole purpose of destroying western civilization as we know it.”
Jason Rapert, founder and president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, reflected on the 1979 hostage crisis and its lasting imprint.
“As a young boy I remember watching the news and seeing the daily reminder that Iran had taken over our U.S. Embassy in Tehran and had forcibly seized our citizens as hostages,” Rapert said. “From that moment until today the Islamic tyrants ruling in Iran have murdered, tortured, terrorized, and funded terrorism around the world. They have screamed death to America my entire life and declared they would destroy Israel. I am proud of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu for making the decision to stop the insanity now. It had to be done and should have been done a long time ago. I am praying for quick and complete victory over Iran, and I am also praying the people of Iran will be able to overthrow the Islamists that have driven their country into the ground and rebuild as a peaceful society.”
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, underscored the spiritual dimension of the conflict.
“I am grateful for a president willing to take bold and decisive action when it is necessary and justified. The Iranian Islamic regime posed a serious threat to Israel and other peace-seeking nations,” Perkins said. “For believers, however, this is not a moment for celebration but for intercession. It is a time to bend the knee, not pump the fist. We must pray for our leaders and for the people of Iran. Our leaders are well aware of the geopolitical and military realities. Yet Scripture reminds us there are deeper forces at work (Daniel 10). Behind visible conflicts often lie spiritual strongholds that shape events in ways not immediately seen. I believe President Trump made the right decision. Still, there is more unfolding than what appears on the surface. The days ahead may be complex and demanding. This is where the church has a distinct and indispensable role—to stand in prayer, to seek God’s wisdom and protection, and to engage the battle in the heavenlies with spiritual discernment and steadfast faith.”
Troy Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, characterized the joint action as a declaration of resolve while calling the church to unified prayer.
“The bold strikes by the United States against Iran’s military and nuclear threats proclaim to the world that America will never stand idle when tyranny endangers our security, our troops, and the peace our children deserve,” Miller said. “We stand firmly with our steadfast ally Israel as it confronts a regime that has sown terror and chaos for far too long. Together, the U.S. and Israel act with courage to neutralize these dangers, advance the righteous cause of regime change, and shield this generation and the generations to come from the shadow of oppression.
“We call upon the global church to rise in fervent prayer: for the protection of our brave service members, for mercy on innocent lives, for comfort to grieving families, for divine wisdom upon our leaders, and for a lasting peace forged in justice.
“In this pivotal hour, Christian communicators are summoned to proclaim truth with unwavering conviction that human dignity, freedom, and the security of our nation are worth every sacrifice. Let us stand together, pray without ceasing, and trust that light will prevail over darkness.”
Other ACLI leaders also offered statements.
Mathew D. Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel, Covenant Journey, and Christians in Defense of Israel, said, “The joint operation of the United States and Israel eliminated the ‘Supreme Leader’ of Iran who has directed and funded global terror. Like Goliath, his blasphemy against the God of Israel and the Jewish people has met a fateful demise. How fitting to take out Ali Khamenei on the eve of Purim. The world owes a debt of gratitude to President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The world has become a much safer place. May the Iranian people use their freedom wisely.”
Michele Bachmann, dean of Regent University’s Robertson School of Government and former member of Congress, said, “God gave an early Purim gift to the world: the death of the Supreme Leader of Iran who worked to kill all Jews and American ‘infidels.’ President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu united as ‘Esthers’ to save the Jews, Americans, and the world. Trump and Netanyahu together were God-ordained to break the back of the Iranian demonic state of Islamic terrorism.”
Gary Bauer, president of American Values, said, “For too long, the Iranian government oppressed its own people, threatened its neighbors, and sponsored jihadist terrorism against the United States, Israel, and our allies. Our hope and prayer is that the courageous joint armed forces of the United States and Israel will prevail and bring an end to this evil Iranian regime.”
Cary Summers, founder of The Nehemiah Group and chairman of the board of ICEJ USA, added, “Genesis 12:3 is not a cliché! For many in the West, there is a lack of understanding of the battle that rages against the fabric that is the underpinning of America. As a friend of mine, Eric Cohen, wrote this past week, ‘The unique alliance between America and Israel is the greatest force for good in our age. The Jewish bravery — and the Jewish nerve to act in defiance of evil—is as strong as ever.’ This, combined with the bravery of U.S. military personnel, is not only a blessing to Israel and America, it is a blessing upon civilizations that desire to fight evil and to recognize the God of Israel is the center of what is good and right.”
ACLI will continue mobilizing Christian leaders nationwide to encourage prayer, provide policy engagement and strengthen the enduring U.S.-Israel alliance in the face of regional threats.