A video released by White House officials has gone viral, showing US President Donald Trump surrounded by a group of pastors praying over him in the Oval Office, as US and Israeli military operations against Iran enter their seventh day.
Critics have warned that the offensive risks worsening humanitarian conditions and further destabilizing an already tense region.
The video, shared by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, shows a prayer circle of prominent religious leaders from across the United States. President Trump sits behind his desk with his eyes closed while Pastor Tom Mullins leads the ceremony.
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Pastor Mullins said: “We are honoured to come before Your presence today, lifting up the arms of our president. We pray for Your continued blessing and favour to rest upon him. We pray for wisdom from heaven to flood his heart and mind and for Your guidance during these challenging times.” He also prayed for the protection of US troops and for the president to lead the nation with strength and grace.
The strikes have heightened tensions across the Middle East, with analysts warning that continued retaliatory attacks could prolong the cycle of conflict.
According to the US Department of Defense, Operation Epic Fury is targeting Iran’s missile programs, production facilities, and naval assets.
Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on Tehran, Iran has launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, claiming to target American facilities in retaliation.
The US confirmed that six soldiers were killed when a drone struck a facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Critics argue that the human and infrastructural toll underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
