Current situation with Iran: Where is it placed in the book of Revelation?
Current events regarding Iran have prompted the question, where is this situation placed in the book of Revelation? Bible prophecy is important because it is practical to us today; it should be viewed as a practical guide. Indeed, that’s what the Bible is, and much of the Bible, the word of God, is prophecy. If we are to be good stewards of God’s word, then we must be good stewards of its prophetic content. When it comes to prophecy and current events, many people are oblivious. While prophecy should be considered from a holistic view of the Bible, the question about Revelation will here be addressed.
Chronological Order of Revelation
The book of Revelation is not so difficult to understand with the realization that it is in chronological order. In chapter 1 verse 19, the overview of Revelation is given: “What you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later.” That is, Christ has been seen resurrected and glorified (past), He is the head of the church throughout the church age (present), and He will remain sovereign thereafter (future –beginning in Revelation chapter 4). There is a great fallacy in trying to place future events of Revelation in the present. What does apply to the present is the Laodicean mindset.
Correlation between Military Aspects and Economics
Military expenditures are alarming, and there is a trending surge in the military industrial complex, not just in the U.S. but around the world. This is relevant to all taxpayers. Interestingly, in the U.S.-Iran negotiations, the main incentive for Iran is economic – the lifting of imposed sanctions and participation in the so-called “golden age”. The U.S. administration has even used the slogan “make Iran great again.” In fact, what led to the current situation in Iran was worsening economic conditions [1], attributable in large part to sanctions. Inversely, removal of sanctions could allow Iran to invest more heavily in military capabilities [2]. The Israeli PM insists than any deal with Iran also addresses their ballistic missile program [3], while Iran has asserted that their ballistic missile program is non-negotiable [4].
Laodicean Characteristics
Today we are in the wealthiest time of history. The Laodicean mindset is that riches and wealth are all that is needed [5]. The illusion is that these things are a failsafe, resolve problems, and provide fulfillment and a sense of security, resulting in smugness when amassed. This is characteristic of the mainstream today. In this context, a good cross-reference passage is the parable of the rich fool, which contrasts this mindset with being rich toward God [6]. There is a definite trade-off between love and trust in riches, with love and trust in God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 says it like this “lovers of money…rather than lovers of God.” In the Laodicean letter, the Lord Jesus Christ is described as “the faithful and true witness”. The implication is that in these days when it’s difficult to get the truth, that is who He is – the faithful and true witness.
References
[1] Wells, K., B. Rezaei, A. Fattah, B. Schmida, C. Moorman, A. Borens, K. Campa, and A. Ganzeveld. Iran Update, December 30, 2026. Institute for the Study of War.
[2] Rezaei, B., Z. Wakilzada, K. Wells, C. Moorman, B. Schmida, P. Hempel, A. Borens, and B. Carter. Iran Update, February 9, 2026. Institute for the Study of War.
[3] Schmida, B., P. Hempel, K. Wells, Z. Wakilzada, N. Morrison, A. Borens, K. Campa, and A. Ganzeveld. Iran Update, February 12, 2026. Institute for the Study of War.
[4] Campa, K., B. Rezaei, A. Fattah, P. Hempel, C. Moorman, B. Carter. Iran Update, February 13, 2026. Institute for the Study of War.
[5] Revelation 3:17
[6] Luke 12:13-21
Josh Bowditch is an aspirer of stewardship in the Biblical sense. This includes ascertaining the truth and writing concisely about topics of interest.
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