Iran (MNN) — To be or not to be? That’s the question surrounding a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. While official on paper since April 7 and extended indefinitely, the truce is being tested by saber-rattling and limited strikes.

Lana Silk of Transform Iran doesn’t expect peace between the warring powers anytime soon.

(Graphic courtesy Transform Iran)

“We (the U.S. and Iran) define the word in different ways,” Silk says. “We have completely different objectives on how we want to coexist with each other.”

A war of words keeps the world on edge, with each side agreeing to talks mediated by Pakistan – and then backpedaling. The U.S. and Iran take turns escalating rhetoric – and then proposing peace.

“You can see so much political power play happening, and ‘Let’s see who dominates in the end.’ I pray it’s the Americans,” Silk says.

“We have more work to do to have any kind of long-term stability and peace with Iran that spills over beyond the Middle East. If we leave things as they are – if we slap a peace sticker over the situation as it is today – then the situation has not changed,” she explains.

“All we have done is buy the Iranian government time and a deeper resolve to continue down the same path they were on two or three months ago.”

Growing pressure

Transform Iran supports indigenous Gospel workers who are sharing Christ and making disciples inside Iran. More about that here.

Believers report that, “The situation in Iran is, if anything, worse than what it was a couple of months ago. If the government is left unchecked, all they’re going to do is strengthen their position,” Silk says.

(Graphic courtesy Transform Iran)

“In the last few days, a senior cleric called on citizens to financially support the war efforts, saying [Iran needs] wealth sacrifice campaigns to dedicate assets for missiles. This is apparently during the ceasefire,” she continues.

“Iran is not changing its story or objectives, but it might play along for a bit to catch its breath and regroup.”

As politicians play their games, life on the ground gets harder. Pray believers will have strength to endure. Pray desperate souls will find hope in Jesus.

“Under the cloak of ceasefire within Iran, we have ramped up executions. We have foreign militia invited in to further harass and threaten the Iranian people,” Silk says.

“We have businesses coerced to cooperate with the IRGC. We have young people – 12, 13, 14-year-old boys – forced into military action.”

 

Header and story images courtesy Transform Iran.