Iran’s Growing Chaos and Carnage

Iran’s policies, compounded by international sanctions, are crippling the country and eroding the wealth of its people (The Telegraph, January 2, 2026). As inflation is exploding in Iran, its currency is also collapsing—in December, the annual inflation rate topped 42 percent, and food prices had increased by 72 percent. Meanwhile, the government is rationing both water and electrical power. Over the last 18 months, international sanctions, economic mismanagement by the government, and military humiliation by Israel have taken their toll—and conditions have moved the people to massive protests.

Early responses from the government seemed intended to calm the people and even to accept responsibility, but government reaction has since become violent. Though the Islamic Republic has attempted to cut all connections between protestors and the outside world, leaked reports and videos indicate that thousands of protestors have been killed, with evidence suggesting many have been executed at close range (New York Times, January 13, 2026). Meanwhile, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s aging Supreme Leader, is seldom seen. According to some reports, he and his family have planned to escape to Russia if necessary (Israel 365 News, January 8, 2026).

If Iran’s hardline clerics fall, how will that shift in power impact Saudi Arabia and Egypt? These two Arabic nations have been foes for ages, but they are united in their common hatred of Iran. What could happen if their common enemy becomes less of a threat? Bible prophecy foretells a strong military power in the Arab world, called by Daniel the King of the South. This prophesied confederacy of nations will struggle against the European King of the North, and the focal point of this struggle will be Jerusalem. You can understand what to watch for in this volatile region of the world by reading or listening to our insightful booklet The Middle East in Prophecy.