Marziyeh Amirizadeh, an Iranian American and former political prisoner, shares how today’s conflict with Iran reflects God’s prophetic plan. Drawing on Scripture and personal experience, she sees divine purpose in the regime’s fall.

Iran and Israel

I am an Iranian American who immigrated to the US after being sentenced to death in Iran for the crime of converting to Christianity. I endured months of mental and physical hardships and intense interrogation in prison in Iran. Today, I believe we are witnessing a remarkable and miraculous war against the Islamic Republic regime in Iran. Israel’s success in its intelligence, planning, and execution of this operation are stunning. But they are also foretold in the Bible.

Verses from the books of Ezra, Isaiah, and Jeremiah highlight God’s sovereignty over nations

Verses from the books of Ezra, Isaiah, and Jeremiah highlight God’s sovereignty over nations, his use of secular rulers like Cyrus to fulfil his purposes, and his promise to judge and restore Elam (modern Iran). We see through this spiritual lens that the current war against the Islamic Republic and its leaders as a part of God’s redemptive plan, with spiritual and prophetic implications for Israel, Iran, and the global church.  

READ MORE: I was imprisoned in Iran because I became a Christian. This is what I think of President Raisi’s death

In Ezra 1:1-4 and 1:7, King Cyrus, moved by God, frees the Jewish captives and restores the Temple’s treasures, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer. 29:10). Isaiah 45:1-7 describes Cyrus as God’s anointed, empowered to subdue nations for Israel’s sake, demonstrating God’s ability to use even non-believing rulers to accomplish his will. Ezra 9:9 underscores God’s faithfulness, granting favour through Persian kings to rebuild Jerusalem. These passages establish a historical precedent: God orchestrates geopolitical events and empowers Kings to deliver his people and restore worship. 

Jeremiah 49:38-39 prophesies God’s judgment on Elam (modern Iran), promising to destroy its rulers but restore its fortunes. This divine promise is unfolding today, with the Islamic regime facing judgment for its tyranny, and hostility toward Israel. Unfortunately, I have witnessed and experienced this brutality personally, and I know that there are hundreds of evil Iranian leaders who still need to face judgment. I trust that God will do so.  

The regime’s 46-year oppression, marked by executions, torture, misogyny, and suppression of dissent, mirrors Nebuchadnezzar’s captivity of Israel.

The regime’s 46-year oppression, marked by executions, torture, misogyny, and suppression of dissent, mirrors Nebuchadnezzar’s captivity of Israel. The successful strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities are clearly part of God’s toolbox to dismantle this evil regime. Today Cyrus’s role in liberating the Jews is being reciprocated by Israel being part of liberating Iran. Let nobody be deceived: this is a spiritual conflict, a battle against demonic forces manifesting through the regime’s evil fanaticism and terror.  

READ MORE: Sentenced to death for her faith

It’s also important to remember the warning in Luke 11:24-26, that without planting the “good seed” of the Gospel, evil could return worse than before. That’s where we Christians must step in

Iran’s growing underground church and the closure of 55,000 mosques signal a spiritual awakening, and a huge opportunity, with millions rejecting Islam. God has given me a vision of a Christian Iran, fulfilling Jeremiah’s restoration promise, where His kingdom transforms hearts, not just political structures, indeed setting up His throne there. Prophetically, the war today is exactly the precursor to God’s throne being established in Iran (Jer. 49:38).  How glorious that will be, and we are privileged not just to see it happening but to play a part in it. 

As a young Christian woman, I distributed 20,000 Bibles, leading to spiritual awakening and many conversions. However, the regime’s missile attacks on Israel, its nuclear ambitions, and ongoing executions reflect a desperate attempt to retain power, intensifying the spiritual stakes. What’s needed now, from all of us, is urgent global Christian solidarity with Israel and Iranians, and our fervent prayer to counter the regime’s fear tactics, supporting God’s chosen people (Israel) and oppressed Iranians. 

Here are some prayer points: 

1. Destruction of Missiles: Pray for Israel to neutralize Iran’s remaining ballistic missiles, trusting God to protect his people (Ps. 91:4). 

2. Nuclear Facilities: Ask for divine precision guidance in destroying Iran’s nuclear sites, buried deep underground, with U.S. support. (Isa. 45:2). 

3. Wisdom for Leaders: Seek God’s guidance for Netanyahu and Israeli military leaders (Prov. 21:1). 

4. Trump’s Resolve: Pray that President Trump resists misleading advice and stands with Israel against our common enemy (2 Chron. 20:15). 

5. Prince Pahlavi: Request wisdom for Pahlavi to lead Iran’s restoration (Ezra 1:1). 

6. Protection for Israel: Intercede for Israel’s safety from missile attacks (Ps. 121:4). 

7. Healing for Hostages: Pray for Israeli hostages to be released and their families comforted (Jer. 30:17). 

8. Iran’s Liberation: Ask for the protection and freedom for innocent Iranians (Isa. 61:1). 

9. Boldness for Christians: Pray for Iranian believers to share the Gospel fearlessly (Acts 4:29). 

10. Courage for Iranians: Seek strength for Iranians to rise against oppression (Josh. 1:9). 

11. Global Church Unity: Urge the church to support Israel and Iran (Rom. 15:30). 

12. Restored Friendships: Pray for renewed ties between Iran, Israel, and America post-regime (Isa. 60:14). 

13. Material Support: Prayerfully consider donating generously to http://www.NewPersia.org to support persecuted Christians and freedom for Iran. 

These prayers align with the prophetic hope of God’s justice and restoration, trusting his promises to prevail.