Donald Trump "anointed by Jesus for Armageddon," and American military commanders call the conflict with Iran "part of God's plan." This was revealed by journalist and human rights activist Jonathan Larsen. His article describes instances where officers during briefings assured subordinates that the U.S. president should "ignite a signaling fire in Iran," which would lead to a biblical finale.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has already received 110 complaints from service members of various branches. According to them, commanders constantly refer to the Bible and prophecies from the book by author José Saramago, "The Gospel of Jesus Christ." Read more about what is happening within the ranks of the U.S. Navy in the Middle East, why Pete Hegseth is not just a religious fanatic, and what could result from playing with prophecies — below.

Specific Case
One of those who complained is a sergeant from a unit that is in "ready support" status and can be deployed to a combat zone at any moment. He wrote on behalf of 15 colleagues, of whom 11 are Christians, one Muslim, one Jew, and three with unknown religious affiliations. The sergeant himself is also Christian.

At the morning combat readiness briefing, the commander stated: "Don’t fear what’s happening in Iran — it’s all part of divine plan." He referenced numerous quotes from Revelation, spoke about Armageddon, and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The sergeant noted that the commander was smiling broadly when saying these words, as if under the influence of unknown substances, and everyone present was in shock at that moment.

Statements by Human Rights Advocates
Founder and president of the MRFF, Mickey Weinstein, a veteran of the Air Force, said that since the start of the joint U.S.-Israel operation against Iran, calls and letters have not stopped. He quoted a typical scene: commanders in euphoria declare the war as "biblically sanctioned" and call it "an unmistakable sign of the approaching end of the world," as described in the New Testament.

According to Weinstein, many officers are especially pleased that "this battle must be bloody." He reminded that such complaints are filed whenever "everything explodes" in the Middle East involving Israel. The foundation’s president considers what is happening a gross violation of the charter and "bloody Christian-nationalist fantasies."

Christian Nationalism in the Pentagon
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth openly promotes evangelical Christianity at the highest levels, says Jonathan Larsen. Monthly prayer meetings are held at the Pentagon, and Hegseth regularly attends Bible study sessions at the White House. These sessions are led by preacher Ralph Drollinger, who teaches that God blesses Israel’s allies and curses its enemies.

An important remark: Drollinger also claims that Israel killed Jesus, although this thesis is rejected by all major religions.

Historical Parallels
The MRFF has already documented similar cases. After the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, one Air Force commander stated during a briefing that regarding Israel’s war with Hamas, "everything is foretold in 'The Gospel of Jesus Christ' by Saramago, and no one can do anything about it."

By the way, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush called the U.S. response a "crusade," but quickly backed away from that term after a warning from the French foreign minister.

Perspectives
Journalist Jonathan Larsen notes that previously, the MRFF managed to force the Pentagon to curb such religious intrusions. However, the current Trump administration openly disregards military norms and the law. The open question remains whether real steps will be taken within and outside the Pentagon against the "total Christianization" of the war with Iran.

Ultimately, the tandem of Hegseth and Trump could lead to irreparable consequences, the author of the article warns.