Iran: a new Supreme Leader
Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei. For years he has been influential behind the scenes, often described as a gatekeeper to his father and closely connected to key centres of power. His wife Zahra was reportedly killed in the same Israeli air strike that killed his father. Although he lacks broad public recognition and has never held elected office, reports indicate he has the backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful security force which underpins the state. His appointment is likely to reinforce the existing direction of Iran’s leadership during a period of intense regional conflict and internal pressure. Observers note that many Iranians who have called for reform will see little sign of change in this appointment, which might give Donald Trump a strategic advantage in his war of words with Tehran. Breaking news: on 12 March, a message was read out on state television, said to come from the new Supreme Leader, vowing that Iran would fight on. See
Nigeria: hundreds abducted by militants in Borno state
More than 300 people, including many women and children, have been abducted after militant fighters attacked the town of Ngoshe in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state. Local officials say the assault likely came in retaliation for the recent killing of three Boko Haram commanders by Nigerian forces. The attack forms part of a wider wave of violence across the region, with additional assaults reported in several nearby communities. Although the military says troops repelled some attacks, soldiers were also killed during the fighting. Mass kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, particularly in remote areas where security is limited. Armed groups often arrive on motorbikes, raid villages quickly, and disappear into remote bushland before troops can respond. Among the militant groups operating in the region are Boko Haram, IS, and other armed gangs which engage in kidnapping and illegal mining. Analysts warn that cross-border militant cooperation and new technologies such as drones are strengthening these groups, while many communities remain vulnerable to ongoing violence.
Egypt: tourism has rebounded since Covid, but many struggling with living costs due to war
Egypt’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly in recent years, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. In 2025 the country welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase from the previous year, while tourism revenues reached €14.17 billion - more than 20% above pre-pandemic levels. This recovery follows the sharp decline in 2020 when travel restrictions caused revenues to fall dramatically. Authorities expect continued growth in 2026, supported by increased air travel, including a significant rise in charter flights, and the development of destinations such as El Alamein, Siwa and the North Coast. The government is investing in infrastructure, with plans for more than 200,000 new hotel rooms and expanded airport capacity. However, due to the new Middle East conflict many Egyptians are at present struggling with rising living costs: higher transport costs are pushing up food prices, leaving both vendors and families facing growing financial strain. See
Iran: six footballers seek asylum in Australia, fearing for their safety
Six members of Iran’s women’s national football team have chosen to remain in Australia after taking part in the Asian Cup, requesting humanitarian protection amid concerns for their safety if they returned home. The players had travelled to Queensland for the tournament shortly before the conflict involving Iran began. Attention focused on the team after they did not sing the national anthem before a match on 2 March, a moment which observers saw as either a gesture of protest or of mourning for the US-Israeli attacks on their country. Iranian media commentators have strongly criticised the silence, and reportedly threats have been voiced against them, regarding them as disloyal during wartime. After security assessments, the Australian authorities granted temporary humanitarian visas to six team members, allowing them to stay for twelve months while considering longer-term options. The other members of the squad chose to return to Iran with the rest of the delegation.
Launched this week! - we invite you and your families, contacts and networks to join us as we pray for 7 days, in the lead up to the One Miracle Night - Global Day of Prayer - for Great Commission breakthroughs across Muslim peoples & cities.
We would encourage you to read this month’s Editorial article entitled ‘The God who Sings – Worship and Warfare’. 
7 Keys to Effective Prayer – Teaching Series
2BC’s next 24 hour 
Prayers for Peace in the Middle East
“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13)
Every blessing,
God is passionately committed to the fame of his name and that he be worshipped by all the peoples of the world.
In this same Psalm, 22:3, the psalmist declares that God is enthroned on the praises of His people. Praise creates a space where God’s presence is welcomed and honored. God inhabits our praise, acts as King and the enemy must flee - Light shatters darkness!
Our ultimate weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God! Paul calls us to wield this sword, praying and singing God’s word (Eph. 6:17-18, 5:18-20).
This revelation of the God who loves us, enjoys us and takes great delight in us shatters spiritual strongholds in our lives. God is Good and he does all things for his Glory and our Good! 
