In a very real sense, 'spiritual warfare' is resulting in actual warfare in a high stakes scenario
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's beliefs on the "end times" are deeply rooted in Shi'ite Islamic theology, specifically Twelverism, which is the predominant belief system of Iran's leadership.
Key elements of this belief include:
Messianic-type belief in the Hidden Imam: Shi'ite theology emphasizes the belief in the return of the Hidden Imam, a messianic-like figure who they believe will appear in a violent, apocalyptic scenario to bring justice and establish a righteous rule.
The IRGC (Revolutionary Guard), a powerful Iranian military force, views world events through the prism of Mahdism, seeing their actions as contributing to the conditions for the Mahdi's reappearance, according to the Middle East Institute.
Ideological Propaganda: Hardline clerics like Hojatoleslam Alireza Panahian have linked events like the COVID-19 pandemic to the signs of the Mahdi's approach.
Iranian leaders, particularly the Supreme Leader, hold significant religious authority within the country's theocratic system. They are deeply rooted in Twelver Shia Islam, with the Supreme Leader being a key interpreter of Islamic law and tradition. - Google Labs
A quick overview explainer from Pastor Greg Laurie:
IRGC Ideological Worldview
So what are the core tenets of the IRGC’s ideology and indoctrination program? The Shi’a Islamist concept of velayat-e faqih (clerical rule) and clerical superiority underpins the IRGC’s worldview. Tied to this is the key ideological pillar of exporting the Islamic Revolution to neighboring Muslim nations (ummah) through what is described as “jihad in the path of God.” The IRGC rejects the concept of the nation-state as a Western construct and instead divides territories between the dar al-Islam (land of Muslims) and dar al-Kufr (land of infidels).
The ummah must be under the authority of the Imam or in his absence, his deputy: the supreme leader, thus legitimizing efforts to export the Islamic Revolution. A quick examination of the IRGC’s ideological-political textbooks also reveals the way in which it views the U.S.: as an evil regime hellbent on world domination. This worldview sees the U.S. as the representation of all that is evil (jebeh-e batel) and puts the Islamic Republic of Iran on the side of everything good (jebeh-e hagh).
Linked to this notion is the IRGC’s other key ideological pillar of eradicating the State of Israel and Zionism. Like other Islamist ideologies, the IRGC’s Shi’a Islamist worldview regards Israel as an illegitimate, oppressive, and usurping entity created in the heartland of the Muslim world to enable the West to achieve its supposed colonial goals. The “liberation” of Palestine through the destruction of Israel remains one of the IRGC’s main objectives, and antisemitism pervades every aspect of its ideology.
The IRGC itself has been explicit about its identity and what its members represent. A March 2022 publication entitled “what is identity of the Revolutionary Guard” outlined three characteristics in order of preference: 1) “Guardians of Islam”; 2) “Soldiers of the Velayat (supreme leader)”; and 3) “Sacrifices for the Revolutionary People.” On the latter, the IRGC is clear that it serves the revolutionary people — namely, pro-regime supporters — and not ordinary Iranians. - Middle East Institute
(image below on X) "Gates of hell shall be opened to the...Zionist regime The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, a grave error, and committed a reckless act. By God’s grace, the consequences of this will bring that regime to ruin. Imam Khamenei June 13, 2025
