By Greg Laurie
The death of the Ayatollah has sent shockwaves through the Middle East. Many Iranians are rejoicing around the world, hoping this marks the end of decades of oppression.
This regime has backed terror groups—like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—and persecuted its own people—including Christians. Yet despite intense opposition, Christianity has grown dramatically in Iran through house churches and underground believers. Persecution often fuels spiritual awakening.
Remember, modern-day Iran is ancient Persia—the land of Esther, Daniel, and King Cyrus, whom God called His “anointed” in Isaiah 45. God has worked in that nation before.
Iran is not simply a political talking point, but what many, including myself, believe is a land of biblical significance. Iran (ancient Persia) is considered a major player in end-times prophecy.
So—is this Bible prophecy unfolding? While Scripture tells us not to set dates (but to watch and be ready), any turmoil in this part of the world should cause us to sit up.
Recent Middle East Conflicts
If you recall, it was in April 2024, that Iran made an unprecedented attack on Israel, firing over 300 drones and missiles toward Israel. With aid from other nations, including the United States, nearly all were intercepted.
Then, in June 2025, Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, striking dozens of Iranian nuclear and missile facilities to halt uranium weaponization. Key sites were heavily damaged or destroyed.
Iran retaliated with about 100 drones, but the conflict—the Twelve-Day War—ended in a U.S.-mediated ceasefire on June 24.
As we entered 2026, we saw headlines of courageous men and women standing up at great personal cost to the Iranian regime. And now: the death of the Ayatollah.
Israel, Iran, and Bible Prophecy
While some hold the theological viewpoint that the church is now God’s chosen people, I disagree. I believe the Jewish people remain His chosen people, and that they play a key role in end-times prophecy.
I believe the Bible clearly foretold that Israel would be scattered and regathered—fulfilled on May 14, 1948, and that’s when the prophetic time clock began to tick. It was not just a sign, but a supersign.
Scripture also predicts that in the last days, a great coalition from the north—including Persia (modern-day Iran)—will rise up against Israel (see Ezekiel 38–39).
The Bible has more to say. Not only will the Jews be regathered together in their homeland, but they will be increasingly isolated. That’s happening. The Bible also predicted the rise of anti-Semitism in the end times. That is happening. The Bible also predicts a large nation to the north of Israel, identified in Ezekiel as Magog, will attack her. That has not yet happened. Many scholars believe that Magog is a reference to modern-day Russia. I concur with that view, but no one can say with absolute certainty.
But if Russia is indeed Magog, we should pay attention to its involvement with Iran, as one of the allies of Russia will be Persia (Iran).
What Happens Next?
I believe what has taken place in the Middle East is cause for us to sit up and pay attention.
Let me give you just a quick flyover of end-times events chronologically. Number one, I think the next event on the prophetic calendar is the Rapture of the Church. Then, the Antichrist emerges on the scene and the Tribulation period begins. The Tribulation ends with the Second Coming of Christ, and then the Lord establishes the Millennium (the 1,000-year reign of Christ).
Events like the ones we are seeing now shouldn’t cause us to panic and be fearful, but move us to prayer. Pray for the nations involved. Pray for peace. And pray that many come to Christ.
Bible prophecy is not given to scare us, but to prepare us.
Are You Ready?
Ask yourself today, “Am I ready for the Lord’s return?”
Christ is coming again. This is a wake-up call to get right with God, walk closely with Him, and stay spiritually awake.
Let’s all make sure we’re ready to meet the Lord—because, well, He could come back at any time.
