As the nearly seven-month conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran grinds into a tense stalemate, President Donald Trump faces what he calls a pivotal moment. In an interview with Axios on September 17, 2026, Trump declared, “I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me.” (Axios) He is preparing to meet leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to gauge their views on the path forward—whether diplomacy or renewed major strikes (Breitbart).
Meanwhile, in Tehran, the regime staged its largest show of defiance since the war began in February. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians marched in a government-organized “Janfada” or “Sacrifice for Iran” rally on September 18, pledging readiness to take up arms. State media estimated over 300,000 on the streets, with IRGC officials claiming more than 600,000 had registered for training and over a million expected to participate. Basij head Hossein Taeb told the crowd the volunteers would be ready for “full-fledged defense” and become a “nightmare” for Iran’s enemies, as President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior commanders looked on. Participants trampled American and Israeli flags while chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” (The Times of Israel).
This public mobilization comes as Iran rapidly rebuilds a key nuclear facility previously bombed by Israel. Satellite images from September 13 show active reconstruction at the Taleghan 2 site in the Parchin complex southeast of Tehran, with construction vehicles, concrete work, and new blast protection. The Institute for Science and International Security reported Iran has erected a tarp to conceal the work. The site was struck by Israel in October 2024 and again in March 2026; it is linked to past nuclear weapons-related experiments under Iran’s AMAD Project (The Times of Israel).
Iran’s proxies add another layer of regional instability. The Houthis in Yemen, long backed by Tehran with weapons, training, and technical expertise, have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia while advancing toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping chokepoint. Their slogan—“God is great, death to America, death to Israel, curse on the Jews, victory to Islam”—echoes the revolutionary rhetoric of the Islamic Republic (Algemeiner).
These developments unfold against the backdrop of a costly war. A Pentagon inspector general report put the U.S. cost at $33 billion as of late June. Vice President JD Vance recently emphasized that American Middle East policy cannot be “subservient to Israel,” stressing that the United States must pursue its own interests even while partnering with Jerusalem (JNS; The Times of Israel). At the United Nations, Russia and China have blocked U.S. efforts to maintain monitoring of Iran sanctions (AP News).
Why do these events matter for those watching the unfolding of the latter days? The prophet Ezekiel spoke of a time when “Persia”—the ancient name for modern Iran—would join an alliance to attack Israel “in the latter years” (Ezekiel 38:5, 8). These forces would “devise an evil plan” and come “like a storm. . . like a cloud covering the land” (Ezekiel 38:9-10). Yet God promised to intervene with “blazing wrath,” delivering Israel and revealing Himself so that many nations would know He is the Lord (Ezekiel 38:18-23).
This divine protection aligns with the covenant God made with Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). Iran’s leaders have long called for Israel’s destruction, and their current defiance—rebuilding nuclear capabilities, mobilizing mass volunteers, and empowering proxies—echoes the hostile posture described in Scripture. It appears the stage is being set. As Trump weighs his “big decision,” as Tehran rallies its people for sacrifice, and as Iran presses ahead with nuclear reconstruction, the ancient words of Ezekiel take on fresh urgency. Through it all, the God of Israel remains faithful to His promises. The nations may rage, but the Lord who watches over His people will have the final word.
Blessors of Israel continues to closely monitor this developing story. Please pray for our leaders, troops, Israel and her people, along with the Iranian people.
Dr. Matthew Dodd, Executive Director | September 18, 2026
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