To understand Iran, we must pay closer attention to Iran’s religious beliefs and ideology.
Though many nations act primarily out of economic interests, military calculations, or political ambitions, this is not the case with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iran is a revolutionary Islamic regime founded upon a particular interpretation of Shi’ite Islam.
Its leaders do not see themselves simply as politicians.
They see themselves as guardians of a divine mission.
It is theology that drives the Iranian regime.
Understanding this helps explain Iran’s otherwise irrational hostility toward Israel—and toward America.
The Great Divide in Islam
Islam’s two largest branches are Sunni and Shi’a Islam.
The split occurred shortly after the death of Muhammad.
Sunnis believed leadership should be selected by the Muslim community.
Shi’as believed leadership belonged exclusively to Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law, and his descendants.
Over the centuries, this disagreement evolved into a profound theological division.
Today, most Muslims in the world are Sunni.
Iran stands apart.
Approximately 90 percent of Iranians adhere to Shi’a Islam, specifically the Twelver branch of Shi’ism.
Iran is the only nation whose official state religion is Twelver Shi’ism.
Understanding Twelver Shi’ism is essential to understanding modern Iran.
The Hidden Imam
Twelver Shi’ites believe God appointed a succession of twelve divinely guided Imams descended from Muhammad through Fatimah, Muhammad’s daughter, and Ali.
According to Twelver theology, the Twelfth Imam disappeared in the ninth century and entered what is called the Occultation.
He is known as the Hidden Imam—or the Mahdi.
Twelver believers await his return at the end of history, when he will establish justice throughout the world.
The question naturally arises:
If the rightful ruler remains hidden, who governs until he returns?
The answer became the foundation of the Islamic Republic.
Khomeini’s Revolutionary Vision
In 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led the revolution that toppled the Shah and transformed Iran into an Islamic republic.
Khomeini advanced the doctrine known as Wilayat al-Faqih—the Rule or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist.
According to this doctrine, Islamic clerics possess both the authority and responsibility to govern society during the Hidden Imam’s absence.
This is why Iran’s Supreme Leader is not merely a political figure.
He is a religious authority with significant power over military, judicial, and governmental affairs.
Unlike the American system, where church and state are constitutionally separated, Iran’s political structure is built upon the fusion of religion and government.
The Islamic Republic therefore sees itself as far more than another country pursuing national interests.
It sees itself as the custodian of an Islamic revolution and a key player in a larger spiritual drama.
Why “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”?
The revolutionary regime’s hostility toward Israel and the United States is not simply geopolitical.
It is ideological.
It is theological.
Since the revolution, Iranian leaders have repeatedly portrayed America as the “Great Satan” and Israel as an illegitimate entity that should ultimately disappear.
Iran’s leaders view Israel as more than a rival nation.
Israel represents a direct challenge to their vision of Islamic supremacy in the Middle East.
The existence of a thriving Jewish state in territory once ruled by Muslims is considered an insult to Allah.
This explains why Iran spends vast sums funding proxy forces such as Hezbollah and Hamas, surrounding Israel through regional allies and armed movements.
The regime’s war against Israel is not merely political.
It is deeply rooted in its revolutionary worldview.
The leaders of Iran’s ruling establishment see the struggle against Israel and the West as connected to the eventual appearance of the Hidden Imam.
Hence the cries:
“Death to America.”
“Death to Israel.”
The Danger of Apocalyptic Thinking
Many analysts make a serious error when evaluating Iran.
They assume all nations are governed by the same cost-benefit calculations familiar to Western policymakers.
But ideology matters.
Religious belief matters.
Eschatology matters.
Within Iran’s revolutionary movement, the expectation of the Mahdi’s return has often been linked to dramatic end-times expectations.
There is the belief that the Hidden Imam will appear in the midst of a violent conflict marked by the defeat of God’s enemies.
It is firmly believed that Israel and America are God’s enemies.
Iran’s leaders are not unintelligent.
They understand the risks of conflict with Israel and America.
Yet their religious worldview welcomes sacrifice, martyrdom, suffering, and divine destiny in ways that many Western observers struggle to comprehend.
History repeatedly demonstrates that people will die—and kill—for what they believe to be sacred causes.
Which raises some sobering questions.
If a movement sees its objectives as divinely commanded, how much confidence should we place in negotiation alone?
If Iran’s leaders view Israel and America not merely as geopolitical rivals but as theological enemies, how should that affect our understanding of the conflict?
Can you see why the present war with Iran is not, as some claim, merely “Israel’s war”?
Can you see why America—the “Great Satan” in Iran’s revolutionary rhetoric—remains a target as well?
And can you see why many Americans believe the United States and Israel cannot allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon?
A Clash of Two Messianic Visions
Ultimately, the conflict goes deeper than politics.
It is a clash of worldviews.
Twelver Shi’ism looks forward to the appearance of the Hidden Imam.
Christianity proclaims that the Messiah has already come.
Jesus Christ is not a hidden figure waiting to emerge from obscurity.
He entered history.
He died on the Cross for sinners.
He rose bodily from the grave.
He ascended into heaven.
And He now reigns at the Father’s right hand.
Christians are not waiting for a political revolutionary to establish God’s kingdom through earthly conquest.
We are waiting for the return of the risen King who has already defeated sin, death, and Satan.
The Gospel advances through the proclamation of truth—not through coercion, violence, or revolutionary upheaval.
The Lesson for the Church
We should pray for the Iranian people, many of whom live under an oppressive regime and long for greater freedom.
We should pray for the salvation of Muslims, including the leaders of Iran.
We should pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
And we should recognize reality.
The Islamic Republic is not simply another government with which the West has policy disagreements.
It is a revolutionary regime animated by religious convictions, hostile toward Israel, antagonistic toward the United States, and committed to advancing an ideology authored by the Prince of Darkness.
The Apostle Paul reminds us:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NASB1995)
So very grateful for our powerful, all-knowing, fully in control King above all kings.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
—Stuart
P.S. If you’d like, you can read previous articles in my Archive by clicking on this link: www.fromstuart.com/archive
Good stuff Stuart! I probably never told you this, but God changed my life in college when I started studying prophecy and end Time events, and the book of Revelation. I had never been in the Bible like that before and unexpectedly and surprisingly, I cried out from the depths of my heart come Lord Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! I had doubts about my salvation up to that point, but with tears, I was longing for Jesus to come again in all of His glory!!! I was given a great assurance at that time that it would be quite hard for me to be crying out like this if I wasn't truly, a child of God, and the floodgates of Heaven opened, and the love of God was poured out into my heart! I went to bed with quite a funny thought! I was asking God if anybody could love him more than me at that moment!?!?!
Excellent! And so well written. It’s something we all need to know. Really fascinating! Sent to a few friends and pastors. Thank you, Stuart, for sharing your wisdom and your research!