Early in the morning on Friday, June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, striking dozens of Iranian nuclear and missile facilities—including the Natanz enrichment site—using around 200 jets, explosive-laden drones, and Mossad sabotage teams.
Their goal: to halt Iran’s uranium weaponization program. Several key facilities were destroyed, and reports suggest IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists were killed.
Iran, a longtime sponsor of terror through proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, has repeatedly targeted both Israelis and Americans. The October 7 massacre was the most horrific: over 1,200 innocent men, women, and children were brutally murdered, and many others taken hostage. In 2024 alone, Iran launched large-scale missile and drone attacks, culminating in this most recent escalation.
In response to Israel’s strikes, Iran retaliated with approximately 100 drones aimed at Israeli territory.
If you recall, it was a little over a year ago, in April 2024, that Iran made an unprecedented attack on Israel, firing over 300 drones and missiles toward israel. Fortunately, at that time, Israel, aided by other nations including the United States, shot down over 99 percent of those projectiles.
Is Bible Prophecy Unfolding Before Our Eyes?
How does this new phase in the conflict align with Israel and Iran in Bible prophecy? Is this moment the fulfillment of specific end times prophecy?
Yes and no. The Bible clearly foretold that Israel would be scattered and regathered—fulfilled on May 14, 1948. And you might say it was then that the prophetic time clock began to tick. That was not just a sign, that was a super sign.
Scripture also predicts that in the last days, a great coalition from the north—including Persia (modern-day Iran)—will rise up against Israel (see Ezekiel 38–39). While what we are seeing today is not the full fulfillment of that prophecy, it is certainly a foreshadowing.
But the Bible had more to say. Not only will the Jews be regathered together in their homeland, but they will be increasingly isolated. That’s happening. The Bible also predicted the rise of anti-Semitism in the end times. That is happening. The Bible also predicts a large nation to the north of Israel, identified in Ezekiel as Magog, will attack her. That has not yet happened. Many scholars believe that Magog is a reference to modern-day Russia. I concur with that view, but no one can say with absolute certainty.
But this we can say with certainty: We see both Israel and Iran in Bible prophecy. One of the allies of Russia will be Persia. Persia was the name of Iran. They only changed their name in 1935.
What Happens Next?
Now, am I suggesting that what just took place is going to directly lead to the scenario of Ezekiel 38? I don’t think that’s necessarily the case, but it certainly is a cause for us to sit up and pay attention.
Let me give you just a quick flyover of end times events chronologically. Number one, I think the next event on the prophetic calendar is the Rapture of the Church. Then, the Antichrist emerges on the scene and the Tribulation period begins. The Tribulation ends with the Second Coming of Christ, and then the Lord establishes the Millennium (the 1,000-year reign of Christ).
Therefore, Jesus said, “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near” (Luke 21:28 NLT).
He did not say, “When you see these things begin to happen, freak out because we’re all dead.” He said, “look up.” Bible prophecy isn’t meant to scare us—it’s meant to prepare us.
Meanwhile, it is in the best interest of the United States of America to stand with our loyal ally, the nation Israel. God made a promise to Abraham years ago; He said, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (Genesis 12:3 NKJV). One of the reasons God has blessed the United States is because we have stood by our friend Israel. And I hope we continue to do so.
Are You Ready?
I don’t know what will happen next, but here are two things you can do today.
First, ask yourself, “Am I ready for the Lord’s return?”
Christ is coming again. This is a wake-up call to get right with God, walk closely with Him, and stay spiritually awake.
Here’s something else Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself. . .” (John 14:2–3 NKJV) But then He says, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV).
Second, let’s obey Scripture and “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6).
God is in control. But let’s pray for our friends in Israel. Let’s pray for the Jewish people. If you’re reading this right now and you’re Jewish, I want you to know that your evangelical friends stand with you now in your hour of need.
Today, we pray that that God would protect them, that God would lead them, and let’s all make sure we’re ready to meet the Lord—because, well, He could come back at any time.
