As the world watches the situation in the Middle East, wondering if a deal with Iran is possible, Iran continues to stall and delay commitments. World Israel News (WIN) reported that President Donald Trump sharply rejected Iran’s latest response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal on Sunday, declaring it “totally unacceptable,” amid reports that Tehran “refused to meet key American demands on its nuclear program.”
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives,’” the President wrote on Truth Social. “I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!”
WIN detailed in its report: “The reaction came after reports from The Wall Street Journal and regional outlets indicated Iran’s proposal focused heavily on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while delaying binding commitments on enriched uranium and the future of its nuclear program. According to the Wall Street Journal report, Tehran proposed discussing nuclear issues separately within 30 days rather than immediately accepting U.S. conditions.”
Can we expect a deal with Iran soon, or will the U.S. and Israel resume attacks on the Iranian regime? I don’t think anyone can answer that question with certainty. One thing we do know for certain is that the Iranian regime is a master at manipulation and deception. It’s highly unlikely they’ll surrender and agree to all US demands.
It’s also important to note the regime’s ideology of Shiite Islam, which believes that chaos and a world in turmoil will help usher in the “Mahdi,” the “12th hidden Imam”—their Islamic messiah. How do you negotiate with people who subscribe to an ideology that thrives in terror and chaos? How do you negotiate with a regime that would rather see its own people die and their country obliterated before surrendering? How do you negotiate with a terror state that eats, sleeps, and breathes, destroying Israel? Simply put, you cannot.
The question is, does the Trump administration understand that? I believe that President Trump does understand this, as do many of the advisers in his administration.
Could it be that Trump is also buying time to gain support for his actions against Iran? As Iran proves that it isn’t interested in peace talks, the necessity of decisive action becomes increasingly clear. Could it also be that the President is buying time to carry out even more strategic strikes? He may believe that placing immense pressure on the regime will force them to come to the table for a deal. Could the US administration be allowing time for regime change? All of these options are a possibility.
As Christians who believe in God’s prophetic Word in Scripture, we have a key piece of insight. Even if a deal of some fashion is reached, or better yet, regime change that embraces Israel and the West, lasting peace will not be the outcome.
Ezekiel 38 and 39 tell us that Persia—modern-day Iran—will once again come against Israel in a future war, in another attempt to destroy Israel. This time, the motivation will also include a desire to capture Israel’s riches. These chapters also prophesy the spectacular response of God to these invading armies, as He, Himself, obliterates them.
There are demonic forces at work here, just as it was in the prophet Daniel’s day. In Daniel chapter 10, we read that the prophet’s prayers were delayed from being answered because the “Prince of Persia” hindered that process. Charles Ryrie, in his study Bible, says concerning this: “Daniel’s prayer was heard on the first day of the three-week period, but the answer was delayed because of angelic warfare—the prince of the kingdom of Persia, a supernatural creature who tried to direct human rulers of Persia to oppose God’s plan. Evil angels seek to influence the affairs of nations.”
It is very likely that this same demonic spirit is alive and well in Persia today. This is a spiritual battle.
So what’s the bottom line? Well, let’s continue praying for a peaceful resolution, at least for a time. The only way for true peace is when the Prince of Peace, Yeshua, returns. Let’s be praying for the Iranian people, Israel, the United States, and the entire world. The conflict is impacting fuel prices, food supplies, economies, and can very well affect the stability of nations around the globe. Let’s also be praying for wisdom for our leaders, protection for the IDF, and the U.S. military, should this war resume.
Most importantly, through all that’s unfolding in the Middle East and around the world, let’s pray that hearts would be turned to Israel’s Messiah, Yeshua, the only true hope for peace and salvation in this world. As God says in Isaiah 45:21-22, “… There is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”
