March 2026
President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, an international agreement designed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. reinstated severe economic sanctions on Iran, who responded by gradually reducing its compliance with the agreement and increasing regional pressure through allied militias.

Throughout 2019, tensions increased in the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Several incidents were blamed on Iran or Iranian-backed groups:

• Attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman.

• A major drone and missile strike on Saudi oil facilities.

• Rocket attacks by Iranian-backed militias against bases in Iraq where U.S. troops were stationed.

In December 2019, rockets struck a base in Iraq that hosted U.S. forces, killing an American civilian contractor. The U.S. blamed the Iraqi militia Kata’ib Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, and retaliated with airstrikes on militia facilities in Iraq and Syria.

After the militia airstrikes, protesters linked to Iranian-backed groups surrounded the United States Embassy in Baghdad and damaged parts of the compound. U.S. officials saw this as a major escalation and blamed Iranian leadership for organizing the unrest.

In response, President Trump ordered a drone strike near the Baghdad airport that killed Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, an Iraqi militia leader. Soleimani commanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force and was widely viewed by the U.S. as the key architect of Iran’s regional military strategy.

Iran responded several days later by launching missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq. Although the attack caused injuries, it did not lead to a wider war, and the crisis gradually de-escalated.

Operation Midnight Hammer was a large U.S. air and missile strike in June 2025 against three Iranian nuclear facilities, using stealth bombers, bunker-buster bombs, and cruise missiles to damage Iran’s nuclear program.

Earlier this year the Trump administration began making the case that Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons capability. President Trump demanded Iran accept new restrictions on its nuclear program. The negotiations failed and the U.S. moved naval forces into the region.

On February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated attacks across Iran with the intention of destroying Iran’s nuclear facilities, eliminating ballistic missile infrastructure, crippling Iran’s military capabilities, and preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state. The operation involved hundreds of aircraft and thousands of munitions striking Iranian military sites.

The opening strikes hit major military targets in Iran and killed several senior Iranian officials, including Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and strikes on U.S. bases across the Middle East. This escalation effectively started a direct war between Iran and the U.S.–Israel alliance.

THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT
We are not going to address the day-to-day events of the war; instead, we want to shine a light upon the cause of this new war. Unlike previous conflicts, oil is not a factor this time. This is a spiritual struggle spilling over from the spiritual realm into our reality.

The prophet Daniel is a good example. He had been mourning and seeking understanding from God and fasted for three weeks (21 days) waiting for an answer.

“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” (Daniel 10:2–3)

At the end of those three weeks, an angel suddenly appeared in answer to his prayer. Why did this not happen right away? What was the delay? The angel explained that God answered Daniel’s prayer immediately, but the messenger was delayed because of spiritual hostilities between the holy angel and Lucifer’s minions.

“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.” (Daniel 10:12)

The “prince of Persia” was an archon, a powerful fallen angel in charge of the geographical area in which Daniel was located; he possessed authority to influence the Persian Empire. During those twenty-one days, the holy angel was engaged in spiritual battle against Luciferian forces that strongly opposed him.

“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…” (Daniel 10:13)

Michael the Archangel came to assist in the conflict. It was only through his direct assistance that the holy angel was allowed to finally reach Daniel with God’s message. This passage of scripture provides a glimpse into the spiritual realm behind earthly events. Spiritual warfare is real and it was taking place even though Daniel was ignorant of the fact.

THE ROOT CAUSE
This war with Iran dates back to AD 610 when a Meccan named Muhammad received a revelation from an angel named Gabriel. Muhammad worked as a merchant for much of his early life. Caravans from Mecca regularly traveled north to Syria, which was largely Christian under the Byzantine Empire. It is likely that biblical stories – including angels like Gabriel – were encountered during these journeys or brought to Mecca. This spirit being was in reality a fallen angel who had come at the behest of Satan to start a new religion to replace the Christian faith.

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Gabriel, as recorded in the New Testament, came with a message for Zechariah.

“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.” (Luke 1:19)

And he also appeared to Mary.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:26-27)

Gabriel was not violent, but merely spoke to the priest and the virgin. Why make that point? Because the angel that appeared to Muhammad in the Cave of Hira was completely different. He showed Muhammad a cloth with Quranic verses on it and instructed him to read it. When Muhammad could not do so because he was illiterate, the angel almost choked him to death!

This bizarre behavior happened two more times in stark contrast to the conduct exhibited by Gabriel toward Zechariah and Mary. This representative was violent and impatient. Muhammad’s angel finally recited the verses aloud so that he could memorize them and a scribe eventually recorded the words to paper. This event marked the beginning of Muhammad’s revelations which became the basis for the Qur’an.

THE ISLAMIC JESUS
What do the Muslim’s believe about Jesus? There are several references to Jesus within the Qur’an.

A Prophet
Jesus was a prophet and messenger of God like Moses and Abraham.

“The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of God…” (Qur’an 4:171)

Not Divine
Islam strongly rejects the idea that Jesus is the Son of God. He is honored, but not considered divine.

Rejection of the Trinity
Islam rejects the Christian doctrine of the Godhead. They reject the idea of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit and teach that God is strictly one person; consider the Trinity a misunderstanding of monotheism.

Born of a Virgin
Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. Islam affirms that Mary miraculously conceived Jesus without a human father.

“She said, ‘How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?’
He said, ‘So it will be; God creates what He wills.’” (Qur’an 3:47)

Miracles
Jesus performed several miracles such as healing the blind, healing people with leprosy, raising the dead, and creating a bird from clay and giving it life by God’s permission.

“I heal the blind and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by God’s permission.” (Qur’an 3:49)

Not Crucified
Jesus was not crucified as the Bible claims. Most Islamic interpretations say that Jesus was taken up by God instead of dying on the cross.

“They did not kill him, nor crucify him—but it appeared so to them.” (Qur’an 4:157)

Because Islam denies the crucifixion, it also denies the resurrection.

No Atonement
Islam rejects the concept that Jesus died for humanity’s sins. Instead, salvation is generally understood in terms of faith in God and righteous deeds.

Jesus Will Return
According to Islamic tradition, Jesus will return in the future, before the Day of Judgment to defeat evil and restore justice.

THE ISLAMIC ABRAHAM
Muhammad held Abraham in high regard. The Qur’an describes him as someone who rejected idolatry and worshiped only one God.

“Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was upright, and one who surrendered to God.” (Qur’an 3:67)

Islam sees Abraham as a key ancestor in the line of prophets. Muhammad is believed to have descended through Ishmael, while the Jewish prophetic line is traced through Isaac. Because of this, Abraham is considered a shared patriarch among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Islamic tradition teaches that Abraham and Ishmael built the Kaaba, the central shrine of Islam located in Mecca.

“And when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House…” (Qur’an 2:127)

This is why the Kaaba is viewed as a restoration of Abraham’s original monotheistic worship.

Muhammad presented Abraham as an example of trusting God completely, rejecting idol worship, and submitting fully to God’s will.

GREATER THAN JESUS
In Islamic theology, Muhammad and Jesus Christ are both honored prophets. However, most Muslims regard Muhammad as the greatest and final prophet, while still deeply respecting Jesus. The reasons come from teachings in the Qur’an and later Islamic tradition.

Jesus is honored as a prophet, but He is considered part of the earlier line of prophets before Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet, because the Qur’an describes Muhammad as the “Seal of the Prophets.” In Islamic belief this means that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God; no new prophet will come after him.

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets.” (Qur’an 33:40)

Muslims believe Muhammad delivered the complete and final scripture, the Qur’an. Jesus is believed to have received an earlier revelation called the Injil (Gospel), but Islamic teaching says those earlier scriptures were later altered or lost in their original form. The Qur’an is believed to preserve God’s message fully.

Muhammad’s message is viewed as universal because Jesus was sent primarily to the children of Israel. Muhammad was sent to all humanity.

“We have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)

Islam teaches that the prophets – including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus – all preached the same core message of worshiping one God. Muhammad is believed to have restored the original form of that faith after it became distorted.

Muhammad died in AD 632 at the age of 62.

THE MIDDLE EAST
The Middle East is where it all started for humanity. God began working with mankind in this area and it is filled with activity from the patriarchs.

• The Garden of Eden where Adam lived was located somewhere in Iraq.

• Noah’s ark landed on the mountainous area between Turkey and Armenia.

• Abraham was born in the city of Ur, located near where the Euphrates River flows into the Persian Gulf. He settled in the land of Canaan, which today encompasses Jordan, Israel and Lebanon.

• Isaac remained in the land of Canaan.

• Jacob moved to Haran, located in upper Mesopotamia in what is today southeastern Turkey.

• Joseph was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt where God orchestrated events that allowed him to bring his entire family to Egypt.

• They stayed for some 430 years before Moses led them out into the Sinai Peninsula and into modern day western Saudi Arabia.

• Joshua led the Israelites to the land of Canaan where they established their own nation.

• In 587 BC King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took the majority of the Jews captive.

• The prophet Daniel served first in Babylon and later lived in Persia as the chief advisor to King Darius.

• Most of the Jews who lived in Babylon/Persia did not want to return to Jerusalem when King Cyrus gave them permission in 538 BC.

• The apostle Peter left Jerusalem and moved to Babylon where he established a thriving church.

• The Battle of Armageddon will take place in northern Israel.

• The Second Return of Jesus will see Him set foot in Jerusalem, from which He will rule during the Millenium.

In examining these events, it is clear that Jesus purposely selected the geographical area of the Middle East to do all the work recorded in the Bible. The Devil is aware of this fact and has done his utmost to control the land through his minions – spiritual and physical – for the last 2,500 years. This area will continue to be a flashpoint of conflict until Jesus settles it once for all at the last war.

ISLAMIC WORLDVIEW
Muhammad’s angel was in reality a fallen angel who placed demons in him to create a religion of death in AD 610. The followers of Muhammad are called Muslims and they are mandated to convert the whole world to Islam. The two largest branches of Islam – Sunni and Shia – generally teach that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. Some of the radical groups claim that anyone who refuses to convert deserves death.

One well-known passage says faith cannot be forced. This verse is often cited by Muslim scholars to argue that conversion must be voluntary.

“There is no compulsion in religion. The right way has become distinct from error.” (Qur’an 2:256)

The Qur’an distinguishes between people who simply do not believe and those who are actively hostile. The following passage encourages fairness and kindness toward peaceful non-Muslims.

“God does not forbid you from being kind and just toward those who do not fight you because of religion or drive you out of your homes.” (Qur’an 60:8)

Conversely, some verses advocate violence and many Islamic scholars are quick to interpret these passages as referring to specific historical conflicts in the 7th century rather than a universal command against all non-Muslims.

“Fight in the way of God those who fight you, but do not transgress.” (Qur’an 2:190)

“When the sacred months have passed, then fight the polytheists wherever you find them…” (Qur’an 9:5)

However, the scholars are drowned out by common Muslims around the world today who are extremely violent and intolerant of anyone who is not of their faith.

The leaders who succeeded Muhammad did not carry out missionary work in the same way that Jesus initiated for Christians; instead, armies were sent into other nations, and those who refused to submit to Allah were killed. The Devil conquered these nations with brute power and imposed his satanic religion on them.

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

MUSLIM CONQUESTS
One of the first nations to experience the wrath of Satan was Persia. The empire had been severely weakened after decades of war with the Byzantine Empire. This instability made Persia vulnerable to outside invasion. The Muslim conquest of Persia (AD 633-651) ended the Sasanian Empire and brought the region under Islamic rule.

Babylon declined long before the Islamic conquests and there is no record of a major siege or battle specifically for Babylon. Instead, it simply became part of the territory absorbed into the expanding Islamic state by 637.

Syria was controlled by the Byzantine Empire, which had just finished a long and exhausting war with the Sasanian Empire. The turning point came in AD 636 at the Battle of Yarmouk when a Muslim army defeated a much larger Byzantine force and captured Damascus and Antioch. Jerusalem surrendered peacefully in AD 637.

Muslim armies defeated Byzantine forces in Egypt during the campaigns of AD 639-646, permanently ending Byzantine control of the region.

Once Egypt was secured, Muslim commanders began sending expeditions west. The conquest of North Africa was not quick or easy. Muslim armies faced resistance from remaining Byzantine garrisons along the coast and powerful Berber tribal confederations. A decisive moment came when Muslim forces captured the ancient city of Carthage in AD 698, which had long been one of the main Byzantine military centers in the region. After its fall, Byzantine power in North Africa effectively ended.

Transoxiana (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan) sat along the Silk Road, making it an important center for trade between China, Persia, and the Mediterranean world. Muslim armies conquered it in the early 700s, bringing important cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara under Islamic rule.

Muslim armies attacked Armenia in AD 639 and subdued it in 661.

The first campaigns into eastern Iran and Afghanistan began in AD 650 after the defeat of the Sasanian Empire. Once Persia fell, Muslim forces moved eastward and western Afghanistan fell under Muslim rule relatively early, but the eastern and mountainous regions resisted for a long time. Resistance finally ended in AD 870 when the Saffarid Dynasty defeated the last rulers of the Zunbil Kingdom and brought southern Afghanistan firmly under Islamic control.

A Muslim invasion of Spain from North Africa via the Strait of Gibraltar in AD 711 saw the Visigoths defeated and the followers of Islam rapidly conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula, establishing Muslim rule that lasted nearly 800 years until 1492.

The island of Sicily was attacked by Muslims in AD 827 and they held it until 902.

There were also Muslim conquests into India and Pakistan. They also made their way into eastern China. Another major modern-day Islamic stronghold is Indonesia. The reason that we have omitted these nations is the fact that they were pagan nations and exchanged their heathen beliefs for Islam.

An examination of the spread of Islam after the death of Muhammad revealed it to be a violent and intolerant religion. It was the duty of each Muslim to convert infidels to the “true religion” and the first thousand years saw it done with the sword. The Qur’an teaches that Muhammad was a greater prophet than Jesus. Any true follower of Allah is mandated to convert infidels or kill them. There is no flexibility for a Muslim.

ASSAULT ON CHRISTIANITY
The early church in Jerusalem scattered with the Roman invasion in AD 70, but the embers settled in new areas and the fire of the Holy Spirit saw new churches spring up everywhere in obedience to the Great Commission. Christianity was the main religion after the first century.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

The apostle Peter traveled to Babylon and stayed for some time, organizing a strong apostolic church that spread into modern day Iran. The church in Damascus was founded by believers in Christ from Jerusalem who had fled to escape the persecution brought on by Saul of Tarsus. He was dramatically converted to Christ and spread the Gospel through Turkey and Greece, eventually reaching the church in Rome, founded by Jews who were born again on the Day of Pentecost.

We do not know who planted Christianity in Egypt, but by AD 100, the church was firmly established and Christianity spread westward through the province of Cyrene and into what is modern day Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morrocco. The North African churches became powerhouses of Christianity. Together with the seven churches in Asia (Turkey), the churches in Antioch and Damascus (Syria), and Babylon and Persia, they made up half the Christian population by the second century. They matched the size of the Roman Catholic Church, but were not controlled by the Pope.

The Muslim conquests saw the religion of Islam attack the body of Christ and succeed in decimating entire branches of the church in the east and south. This changed the dynamic and allowed Satan to peddle his trash religions in the vacuum, allowing Romanism and Islam to fill the void.

The hellish religion of Islam devastated the church so that the Gospel was lost to much of the world for a thousand years. There were small pockets Christianity during this time, but the vast majority of mankind lived and died in spiritual darkness. It was not until the early 1500s that God raised up Martin Luther in Europe and the light of the Gospel shone brightly again.

DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS
It is estimated there are two billion Muslims today, which accounts for roughly 25% of the world’s population. There are about 70 different variants of Islam with the Sunni in the majority at 85-90% and the Shia far less at 10-15%. All the other sects account for less than 1%. The Sunnis are pragmatic in their worldview, while the Shia are extremely militant.

Iran happens to be a stronghold for the Shia denomination and their mullahs (clergy) are known hardliners. They believe that they have a mandate to spread Islam by violence.

IRAN’S SHIA LEADERSHIP
The modern leader of the Shia was Ruhollah Khomeini (1900-1989), who became the supreme leader of Iran in 1979. He was the power behind the Iranian revolution in 1979. Iran transitioned from a monarchy to an Islamic republic, but there were never any free elections. To run for a political office, a person had to be approved by Khomeini.

Khomeini instituted Sharia law, a religious legal and moral system in Islam that Muslims believe is derived from the will of God. The word “Sharia” comes from an Arabic term meaning “the path” or “the way.” It refers to the framework that guides many aspects of a Muslim’s life. Sharia is based primarily from the Qur’an (considered the direct revelation from God) and the Hadith (traditions describing the life and teachings of Muhammad).

If a person speaks ill of Muhammad or the Qur’an, the offense is punishable by death. Women are forced to wear burkas (one piece garment covering the head and the body), and if they do not comply, they are arrested and whipped severely. Sharia governs society and violating these laws results in severe punishment.

When Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989, his successor was Ali Khamenei (1939-2026), who was recently killed by a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike. He envisioned Iran becoming a world power and ordered the military to develop a nuclear program by which they could produce atomic bombs. He also ordered the development of missiles and drones; the goal was to have the ability to reach Europe and the United States.

Ali Khamenei ordered the government to align with Russia, China, Venezuela and a number of other nations in order to build a coalition against the influence of the United States and Israel. Tehran’s political rhetoric saw them label America as “the Great Satan” and Israel was “the Little Satan.” During his 37-year reign over Iran, Khamenei’s followers would scream “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” in state-sponsored mass demonstrations.

TEHRAN’S TERROR NETWORKS
Iranian generals formed terror networks such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Houthi movement, and Iraqi Shia militias to expand Iran’s regional influence, counter Israel and Western military presence, and create proxy forces operating outside Iran’s borders.

Hezbollah
Hezbollah means “Party of God.” The organization was established in 1982 and is based in Lebanon. Lebanon had previously been governed by a Sunni-led political structure, but over time Shia Hezbollah grew into a powerful political force within the country. Iran furnished them with funding, weapons, and training to fight a number of wars against Israel.

Hamas
Hamas means “zeal,” “enthusiasm,” or “fervor” and is also an acronym for “Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya,” meaning “Islamic Resistance Movement.” Hamas was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule. It developed out of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is a Sunni Islamic movement. Because of this origin, Hamas follows Sunni Islam, and even though Hamas is Sunni, it receives support from Iran. This relationship is mainly political and strategic, not theological. Iran supports groups that oppose Israel, even if those groups are Sunni.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is a Palestinian militant group active mainly in the Gaza Strip and involved in the conflict with Israel. It was founded in the early 1980s and influenced by the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The group’s objectives are to establish an Islamic Palestinian state and continue armed resistance against Israel until it ceases to exist. Unlike Hamas, PIJ does not operate as a political party or run government institutions; instead, it focuses on military operations. PIJ maintains close ties with Iran, which provides funding, weapons, and training. The group also cooperates with Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned movements in the region.

Houthi movement
The Houthi movement is an armed political movement based in Yemen. The group is formally known as Ansar Allah, which means “Supporters of God.” The movement began in the 1990s in northern Yemen and is named after its founding family leader Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi. The Houthis fought several wars with the Yemeni government between 2004 and 2010. In 2014 they captured the capital city of Sanaa. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 to restore the Yemeni government. The Houthis received weapons, training, and political backing from Iran, but they claim to be an independent movement. The group has used ballistic missiles, drones, and naval attacks against targets in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and shipping lanes in the Red Sea. The movement is known for its political slogan: “God is great, death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews, victory to Islam.”

Iraqi Shia Militias
Several Shia militias in Iraq operate as armed groups that have been active in Iraq’s conflicts since the early 2000s. These militias played a major role in the fight against Islamic State, but some have also been accused of attacks against foreign forces and political opponents.¹ Some militias like Kata’ib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhadawere are trained and supported by Iran’s Quds Force, an external operations branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.² They also backed the Syrian government in the Syrian civil war and carried out attacks on U.S. military installations in Iraq.

PROXY WARFARE
Iran’s support for militant or terrorist groups is part of a regional strategy. One major goal is to extend the political and military influence of Iran across the Middle East. Iran has built relationships with armed groups in places such as Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and the Palestinian territories. These groups form a network often called the “Axis of Resistance.” Upholding these allies allows Iran to project power beyond its borders without directly deploying large numbers of Iranian troops.

Another goal is to pressure or weaken Israel and to challenge the presence of the United States and its allies in the region. Iran has supported groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which engage in armed conflict with Israel. By backing these groups, Iran can apply pressure on Israel and its allies indirectly.

Supporting militant groups also allows Iran to fight its rivals through proxies rather than through direct military confrontation. Proxy warfare helps Iran by avoiding the risks of a full-scale war with powerful states, maintaining plausible deniability, and influencing conflicts in multiple countries at once.

These allied militias can also serve as a deterrent. If Iran is attacked, groups in other countries may retaliate against its enemies. This gives Iran leverage in regional conflicts and negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Persian people suffer from high inflation, widespread poverty, political repression, and an unstable power grid during which billions of dollars are allocated to fund, arm, and train Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Houthi movement, and the Iraqi Shia militias.

Khamenei believed that if Iran developed nuclear weapons, it would significantly strengthen Iran’s ability to deter or confront Israel and its allies, especially through the combined pressure of Iran and its regional proxy groups. He was driven by the religious forces of Islam and the common people were merely pawns to be used and discarded. Khamenei wanted to be the Muslim leader that finished the conquest of the world and forced all nations to bow their knees to Allah.

SATAN’S ACTIONS
Lucifer hates God because of rebellion rooted in pride and the desire to exalt himself above God.

“I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:13-14)

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon… and the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan.” (Revelation 12:7-9)

Satan is an adversary of God who persistently works to oppose God’s purposes by deception and turning people away from God. The Devil wants to destroy anything God does on earth.

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

Satan tried to kill the incarnated Jesus by proxy through King Herod shortly after the birth.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)

Following a thirty day fast, the fallen angel challenged the Son of God to use His power to satisfy His hunger.

“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” (Matthew 4:3)

Jesus responded by quoting Scripture:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

The Devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem and tempted Him to jump, quoting Scripture to suggest angels would save Him.

“…If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” (Matthew 4:6)

Jesus answered succinctly.

“…Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4:7)

Finally, Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and offered them to Him if the God-man just bent His knee and worshiped the fallen angel.

“…All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9)

Jesus shut the door in response.

“…Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10)

Lucifer could not derail Jesus and Satan worked diligently through the ungodly Jewish religious leadership to crucify the Son of God under the authority of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. The Devil entered Judas Iscariot and used his physical body to betray Jesus.

“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot…” (Luke 22:3)

However, the crucifixion was not the end as it fulfilled God’s secret redemption plan and what Satan intended for destruction became the means of salvation for mankind through the Son of God’s crucifixion.

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” (Acts 2:23)

“Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:8)

“…That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14)

Satan opposed Jesus and influenced events leading to the crucifixion, but the crucifixion ultimately was exactly what God wanted and it resulted in yet another defeat for Lucifer.

The Devil was in for another surprise when Jesus was resurrected because the resurrection proved that death could not hold the Son of God and that His victory over sin, death, and Lucifer had been accomplished.

“Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” (Romans 6:9)

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?… But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ” (1 Corinthians 15:55, 57)

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore… and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1:18)

When the Holy Spirit came in power to the early church on the day of Pentecost, Lucifer realized that he was hopelessly overmatched.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” (Acts 1:8)

“And When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” (John 16:8)

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Being completely defeated, Satan set out to deceive and spread false doctrine. The following verses show the deception of the Devil and his ability to disguise error as truth.

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

The following passages foretold the development of false doctrine as false teachers arose within the church.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine… and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you…” (2 Peter 2:1)

Satan would try to create division among the believers in Christ against each another.

“Now I beseech you, brethren… that there be no divisions among you.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

The ensuing warning deals with anger and conflict among Christians, implying that division provides Satan with opportunity.

“Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27)

The apostles warned that even leaders were susceptible to corruption and deceit.

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock… For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you… Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things.” (Acts 20:28-30)

Satan actively works against believers.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

The Devil’s primary weapons for the last two millennia have been to sow discord among Christians, develop false doctrine, split the church into denominations, and corrupt the clergy.

THE ANGEL OF LIGHT
Lucifer decided to add one more weapon to his arsenal and that was the development of false religions to contest the success of Christianity. In that respect, Islam is a masterpiece. It arose six centuries after Jesus Christ and teaches doctrines that contradict Scripture, while blending truth with the lies. Muhammad rejected central biblical truths such as the divinity of Christ, the Godhead, the atoning death, and resurrection of Jesus. And so while Islam purports to answer life’s biggest questions, it has no redeeming spiritual value and ultimately relegates its followers to the Lake of Fire.

Islam is a violent and loveless religion where its followers are instructed to convert the world and anyone that refuses to accept its moon god and monstrously flawed prophet was put to death. The apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth dealt with false doctrine and little did he know that it would perfectly describe Muhammad’s invention.

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Muhammad claimed to receive revelations from an angel named Gabriel, but they simultaneously deny essential biblical doctrines. The whole experience was a deceptive spiritual encounter and reinforces Paul’s words that not every supernatural message claiming to come from God actually does.

TRUMP’S JUSTIFICATION
Present Trump said the strikes against Iran were meant to stop this radicalized Islamic nation from developing nuclear weapons and using them for “nuclear blackmail.” He described the goal as destroying Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and stopping the nuclear threat posed by the Iranian government.

Trump also said the operation was intended to defend Americans and U.S. partners from what he described as an imminent threat from Iran. The objective is to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

Another part of the justification was Iran’s history of supporting armed groups and attacks against U.S. forces and allies. Trump cited decades of hostility, stating the Iranian regime had “waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder” against Americans and others.

He also referenced Iran’s alleged involvement in attacks such as the USS Cole bombing as part of the broader case against Iran.

We believe that God is using President Trump to break the power of the radicalized mullahs in Iran and upend the work of Satan. There are documented human rights abuses involving the killing of civilians, mass arrests, torture, detention, religious persecution, and executions. Women are treated like possessions with very little personal freedom, there are limits on free speech and assembly, and punishment for political dissent.

DYING VS LIVING
It is impossible to separate the Iranian people, Islam as a religion, the radicalized worldview of the ruling mullahs, systemic discrimination, and the resulting hardline government ideology that has produced repression, violence, and the killing of its own citizens. In modern Iran, these forces have become deeply intertwined within the structure of the state, shaping laws, social expectations, and political power. The result is a system in which religious authority, political control, and ideological enforcement operate together at the expense of personal freedom, dissent, and basic human rights.

Muslims are willing to die for Allah, while Christians struggle to live for Jesus. Dying for a cause can happen in a single moment, whereas living faithfully for Christ requires lifelong discipline, obedience, and endurance.

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

That’s the challenge. It’s not about a single dramatic sacrifice, but a lifetime of devotion.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

The true test of faith is not merely what a person is willing to die for as with Muslims, but how faithfully a Christian lives for the One who has redeemed him from death. A life surrendered to Jesus Christ – marked by obedience, holiness, and perseverance – is the sacrifice God desires.

If Jesus came to save the lost, how much do you have to hate a person to deny them Christ?

Muslims are willing to die for Allah, while Christians struggle to live for Jesus!