Here we are, now about 46 days since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. While the U.S. and Israel have inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military capabilities and eliminated several of its key leaders, some critical realities remain unchanged: Iran’s regime remains in power, and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
In fact, the global situation has worsened. Gas prices have risen, and financial markets continue to feel the strain. Food costs are increasing as shipping expenses climb. Travel has also been affected, with flight prices steadily rising and the future still uncertain.
And now, as a direct consequence of this conflict, Iran is reportedly considering, or, according to some sources, has already begun, imposing transit fees of up to one million dollars per ship passing through the Strait. They know they have scored a major victory. This is an image they have raised in Tehran, where we see two soldiers holding a net, and inside that net you see a warship and an aircraft, symbols of Western military power. Now listen to what it says on the public poster: At the top: ‘The Strait of Hormuz will be closed.’ And below: ‘The Entire Persian Gulf is our Hunting Ground.’ In other words, the message is very clear: We control this region, and we can trap anyone who enters it. It is hard to speak of victory when the world’s condition has worsened.
But did the West really believe there would be a change in government in Iran? In the prophecy of Ezekiel 38–39, which describes the war of Gog and Magog, Iran, referred to as Persia, is specifically mentioned among the nations that will gather under a leader called Gog, who may very well be the same dragon or serpent in Revelation 13.
In addition, this war has exposed fractures within NATO. During the conflict, France and Spain reportedly refused to allow U.S. aircraft carrying weapons to fly through their airspace. This has angered the United States, which is now even considering distancing itself from the Alliance, a move that would have major consequences, leaving Europe to fend for itself. These fractures also echo the prophecies of Daniel, which speak of a future ten-nation western coalition under a powerful world leader, the one the Scriptures call the Antichrist.
At the same time, Israel remains in conflict with Hezbollah, which continues to launch missiles indiscriminately at Israeli civilians. Yet as soon as Iran signaled a willingness to pursue peace talks with the United States, many voices in the international media, including those in Iran, quickly shifted focus and began portraying Israel as the main threat to peace in the region.
In the past week, much of the global attention has shifted to blaming Israel. A few weeks earlier, we had already noted that some influential voices in the United States were accusing Israel of drawing America into the war, arguing that the military strikes primarily served Israel’s interests and put American lives at risk. This resonates with the prophecy in Zechariah 12:3, where the Lord declares: “I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will surely hurt themselves.”
Anti-Israel sentiment continues to grow worldwide, but what is especially striking is that anti-Zionist attitudes are also increasing, even within some Jewish communities, a trend not new in history. For example, just this past week, reports noted that the leader of the UK Green Party, who is Jewish, called for “robust sanctions on Israel,” saying it is unacceptable that Israel continues to enjoy diplomatic and trade privileges from the international community. This is just one example among many.
Within Israel itself, there are also groups of religious Jews who identify as anti-Zionist. Among the Haredi community, some refuse military service and do not recognize national symbols. These groups number around half a million. Their position is that only the Messiah, when he comes, can restore Israel. Yet Scripture speaks of a return to the land even before the Messiah’s coming, as seen in passages such as Ezekiel 37. In this sense, they find themselves in tension not only with the state but also with the unfolding of God’s Word.
However, amid all these wars and rumors of wars, there is still order; God remains fully in control. What may appear to us as chaos is not without direction. A path is being followed, a divine plan unfolding step by step according to His purposes.
There are several things to watch for in the days ahead, though we don’t know the timing. First, the possible rise of a world leader, most likely emerging from Europe. Second, the move toward a peace plan with Israel under this new leader. Third, the building of the Third Temple.
Yet beyond all of this, the message for the believer remains clear: the Scriptures call us to look up because our redemption is drawing near. The Lord will come to take His bride home, and this reality feels closer today than at any other time in history.
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