Iran versus Israel and the West dominates the headlines. Israel has blamed Iran for the attempted terrorist attacks in Delhi, Bangkok and Tiblisi earlier this week, and claimed there will be more. This has led to headlines in America of possible attacks on US soil. Iran denies any involvement, reminds the world that five of her nuclear scientists have been assassinated, and warns any would be aggressor that they will meet ‘strong blows’. Tehran is also hitting back over oil sanctions. In response to the EU ban on buying Iran’s oil, due to come into force in the summer, Tehran has told six European countries to either sign a long term contract, which would breach the ban, or have their supplies cut immediately. Oil prices have already been rising because of the feud. To show Iran's determination to continue developing nuclear technology, President Ahmadinejad presided over a ceremony on Wednesday where domestically made nuclear fuel plates were loaded into a reactor. Both the Russian and Chinese ambassadors were there. Their presence underlines the danger to the whole world if the West’s hostility with Iran over her nuclear programme continues to escalate. Thankfully Christians do not have to sit on the sidelines. We can intercede. We can fast. And among the clouds of war, there is a small ray of hope that deserves passionate prayer. On February 14th, Iran wrote back to the European Union Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton offering for talks to be resumed between Tehran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (USA, UK, France, China, Russia) plus Germany. The letter also said Iran had ‘new initiatives’. Pray for: •Talks to happen soon. •Wisdom for Catherine Ashton, Said Jalili and all diplomats. •For a peace settlement across the region.