After the United States and Israel launched strikes on the Iranian regime Saturday, reportedly killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran launched strikes at targets across the Middle East, including in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and elsewhere.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement Saturday related to the strikes, expressing concern and saying they are monitoring the situation.
The church also said all humanitarian volunteers in the region are safe and accounted for.
Here is the church’s statement in full:
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is closely monitoring the evolving situation and military strikes that occurred this morning in Iran and elsewhere in the region. We express our profound concern and heartfelt compassion for all those living in harm’s way. We join in prayer with families worldwide who have loved ones in the region.
“The safety and well-being of people are always a priority in a situation of this kind. This region is home to thousands of Church members. We are in regular contact with Church leaders responsible for the students, faculty and humanitarian service volunteers serving throughout the Middle East, all of whom are accounted for and safe at this time.”
BYU Jerusalem Center update
The Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center released a security update on Saturday saying that while Jerusalem has not yet been targeted, faculty and students are staying in shelters or safe areas in the center.
“The relatively few missiles that were directed at Israel today (Saturday) were targeting major cities along the Mediterranean coast,” the update said. “Jerusalem has not been targeted, but there is a risk of shrapnel from destroyed missiles, so those living in the Center have been in the Center’s shelters today or in safe areas in the interior of the building (areas with reinforced concrete ceilings).”
All those who live in the center were in the building on Saturday morning when hostilities began as church services are held on Saturday, the update said.
“Church services were held as scheduled. Those living at the Center have been asked to remain in the Center through the weekend. Restrictions on travel will be updated each day thereafter.”
Field study trips for the upcoming week were canceled, the update said, adding that airspace in Israel and across the Middle East was closed Saturday, so commercial flights out of Israel were unavailable.