The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) said it has received over 200 complaints from the United States (US) military personnel alleging that commanders described the war on Iran as part of a religious prophecy involving “Armageddon”.

The MRFF said the complaints came from members of the army, navy, air force, marine corps and space force, covering more than 40 units across at least 30 military installations.

One combat unit commander, the MRFF said, told non-commissioned officers (NCOs) that Israeli-US attacks on Iran were “part of God’s plan” and that President Donald Trump was “anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth”.

 

A non-commissioned officer (NCO) who contacted the MRFF said the commander repeatedly referenced the Book of Revelation and described the conflict as part of “God’s divine plan”. 

 

The NCO said the commander “had a big grin on his face when he said all of this, which made his message seem even more crazy”. The NCO added that the commander “would probably be described as a ‘Christian First’ supporter” and “makes it clear that he desires all of us under him to become just like him as a Christian”.

 

Michael L. Weinstein, founder of the MRFF, said the organisation continues to receive complaints from personnel who were told they should support the war because it would bring about the return of Jesus Christ.

 

The MRFF also cited US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, described as an ultra-conservative Christian nationalist and the Pentagon’s “holy warrior”, who sponsors a weekly Bible study that preaches support for Israel. 

 

The organisation said some Bible study leaders teach that Israel should be supported because God blesses Israel’s allies and curses its enemies.

 

The MRFF also cited complaints following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, including a report that an air force commander told personnel the conflict had been foretold in the Book of Revelation.