US military strikes Iran linked to evangelical beliefs

President Trump's decision to bomb Iran connects deeply with evangelical beliefs.

US actions against Iran are fueled by evangelical prophecies

In June 2025, President Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a decision that some analysts link to evangelical prophecies rather than solely political motives. Scholar Diana Butler Bass argues that many White evangelicals view these actions as fulfilling biblical predictions about Israel and the end times. This perspective is seen as leading to the belief that any conflict might usher in the Second Coming of Christ, thereby justifying a dangerous militaristic approach. Critics, like historian Jemar Tisby, warn that intertwining religious beliefs with foreign policy can have severe consequences for both the region and the U.S.

The clash between the U.S. and Iran reveals more than geopolitics; it highlights a growing reliance on religious narratives in American foreign policy. For some evangelical groups, military action against Iran is not just a political maneuver but a step toward fulfilling biblical prophecy. This connection poses a significant risk, as it encourages a perspective that sees conflict as aligned with divine will. Such beliefs can lead to a disregard for the complexities of international relations and human rights, overshadowing critical political and ethical discussions.

Highlights

This blend of faith and politics could shape future U.S. interactions in the region.