Thrilling Tales Hub

Brian Montross

For centuries, Shiite Islam has looked to a figure shrouded in both prophecy and mystery—the 12th Imam, also known as the Mahdi. He is not just a religious hope. For Iran’s ruling clerics, he is a coming reality. A divine figure destined to rise during an age of chaos, to lead a final holy war, and to establish a global Islamic caliphate under divine justice.

If that sounds eerily similar to apocalyptic prophecy in Christianity—you’re not wrong. The Mahdi is, in many ways, the Islamic mirror of the biblical Antichrist or False Messiah—and understanding this belief isn’t just theological. It’s geopolitical. Because Iran isn’t just waiting for the Mahdi… many believe they’re trying to prepare the world for his return.

Who Is the 12th Imam?

In Twelver Shiism, the dominant sect in Iran, the 12th Imam is Muhammad al-Mahdi, a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Born in 869 AD, he is believed to have disappeared into “occultation” in the 9th century. Shiites believe he is still alive, hidden by God, and will return at the end of time to:

• Defeat tyranny and injustice,
• Conquer the world for Islam,
• Unite Muslims under one perfect government,
• And usher in an era of peace—on his terms.

The regime in Tehran does not treat this as metaphor. Presidents, Supreme Leaders, and even generals of the Revolutionary Guard have openly declared that global unrest may be necessary to bring the Mahdi back.

Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly referenced preparing for “the conditions of his return.” Former president Ahmadinejad reportedly left seats empty at cabinet meetings for the Mahdi. Iranian military documents have referred to their missile program as a way to pave the road for his rise.

The Mahdi and the Bible: Two Messiahs, One War?

In Christian prophecy—particularly in the writings of Daniel, 2 Thessalonians, Revelation, and the letters of John—there is mention of a coming world ruler, the Antichrist, who will exalt himself above God, deceive the nations, and establish a global order through false peace and persecution before the return of Christ. The parallels are striking:

Shiite Eschatology	Christian Eschatology
Mahdi rules for 7-9 years	Antichrist rules for 7 years
Mahdi unites Islamic world	Antichrist unites world powers
Mahdi kills Jews and Christians	Antichrist persecutes saints
Jesus returns with the Mahdi	Jesus returns against the Antichrist

The most radical Shiite clerics believe that war, bloodshed, and even nuclear chaos may be necessary to trigger the Mahdi’s return. Their goal isn’t peace. It’s theocratic dominance.

Who Rides With Him? The Biblical Alliance of Nations

In Ezekiel 38, the prophet describes a confederation of nations that will rise up against Israel in the last days. The names are ancient, but scholars believe they align with modern states. The alliances bear disturbing resemblance to Iran’s current partners and ambitions:

• Magog – Often linked to Russia or former Soviet states to the north
• Persia – Iran
• Cush – Upper Nile region, often interpreted as Sudan or Ethiopia
• Put – Libya or parts of North Africa
• Gomer & Togarmah – Often associated with Turkey and parts of Central Asia

These regions, once vague tribal labels, are now a growing axis of anti-Western, anti-Israel states—connected by military deals, anti-American rhetoric, and shared enemies.

Iran is at the center.

In the same prophecy, these nations move “like a storm” against Israel—but are ultimately defeated by divine intervention.

“I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man’s sword will be against his brother.”
— Ezekiel 38:21

A Spiritual War in Political Clothing

Whether or not you believe in prophecy, Iran does.

The West (Europe in particular) continues to treat the Iranian regime as a rational actor. But their worldview is not defined by democracy, balance-of-power, or diplomacy. It is defined by eschatology—a belief that divine war is coming, and that they have a role to play in bringing it about.

The 12th Imam is not just a prophecy. For Iran’s leadership, he is the goal.

And that should make us all take a second look at today’s headlines.