Aligning Conflict with Biblical Prophecy
A prominent ministry leader, often referred to as “The Billy Graham of Iran,” claims that Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iranian-backed terrorist groups aligns with biblical prophecies. He anticipates a forthcoming peace between Israel and Arab nations, pointing to growing discontent among Iranian citizens with their own government.
The Current Situation
Following Hamas’s attack on October 7, Israel has engaged in warfare against the group while also facing missile attacks from two other Iranian-affiliated groups, Hezbollah and the Houthis. On October 1, Iran launched approximately 200 missiles into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli operation that targeted key Hezbollah leaders.
Iran’s Declining Influence
Shariat Hormoz, founder of Iran Alive, an organization dedicated to sharing the Gospel in Iran via online and satellite platforms, notes that Israel’s operations have diminished respect for the Islamic Republic among other nations and its proxies. Hormoz believes that Iran’s missile attack was an attempt to regain that lost respect.
Many Iranian citizens are reportedly celebrating the defeat of Hezbollah, expressing disdain for the Islamic government. Hormoz states that the Iranian populace desires intervention from Israel and the United States to help remove their current leadership.
“The first opportunity they can find to bring down the government, they will,” Hormoz told The Christian Post. “This is unprecedented; citizens are actually asking foreign powers, ‘Would you attack us?’”
A Voice from Exile
Hormoz has not visited Iran since 1979, but he maintains a connection through media and interactions with Christians on the ground. A former Muslim, he converted to Christianity in 1980 and founded Iran Alive in 2000, establishing the largest underground church network in Iran.
Since 2001, his ministry has documented over 15,000 individuals dedicating their lives to Christ through satellite broadcasts—an avenue the Iranian government cannot control. Many Iranians also access the Gospel online, aided by the use of Virtual Private Networks.
Growing Discontent in Iran
Hormoz points out that in addition to poverty and violence from the Hezbollah militia, many Iranians are turning away from Islam.
“There is widespread misery in Iran,” he explained. “People are not only rejecting the government, but they are also rejecting Islam altogether. The majority are moving toward secularism and are increasingly open to other ideas, including Christianity.”
Biblical Predictions
Hormoz cites biblical texts from Jeremiah 49 and Ezekiel 38, asserting that these scriptures forecast the current events surrounding Israel. He believes that a peace agreement between Israel and its neighbors is imminent, emphasizing that Iran’s Islamic regime is losing popular support.
“The absence of Israel’s neighbors in Ezekiel 38 suggests that either peace has been established, as with the Abraham Accords, or that enemies have been defeated,” he noted.
Potential Retaliation from Israel
After Iran’s missile attack on October 1, Israel vowed to deliver a “significant retaliation,” potentially targeting oil production sites and other strategic locations in Iran. President Joe Biden has expressed opposition to supporting such strikes.
Hormoz opines that regardless of political leadership in the U.S., the approach towards Iran remains consistent—maintaining control without dismantling the Islamic government. He criticizes both the current administration’s preference for appeasement and the previous administration’s reliance on threats and sanctions, stating that neither has truly helped the Iranian people.
Understanding Middle Eastern Dynamics
Some U.S. lawmakers and activist groups are calling for a ceasefire, urging Israel to halt its military actions against Hamas and other Iran-aligned groups. Hormoz believes that many Americans do not grasp the mindset of Middle Easterners, whereas Iranians and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu do.
“The language of the Middle East is force,” Hormoz stated. “You cannot appease them. You must use force against Hamas, Hezbollah, and, regrettably, the Iranian government.”
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