US military commanders have been using extremist Christian rhetoric to justify involvement in Iran, according to more than 200 complaints filed with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF). The complaints, from service members across all branches including the marines, air force, and space force, allege that superiors invoked biblical 'end times' to frame the conflict as part of a divine plan.
One noncommissioned officer (NCO) from a unit that could be deployed to Iran reported that their commander urged troops to view the operations as 'all part of God's divine plan,' citing the Book of Revelation and Armageddon. The commander reportedly said that 'President Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth.' The complaint was filed on behalf of 15 troops, including Christians, a Muslim, and a Jewish service member.
MRFF president Mikey Weinstein, an air force veteran, said the complaints indicate a rise in Christian extremism in the military, with commanders expressing 'unrestricted euphoria' over a perceived 'biblically-sanctioned' war. He noted that service members often cannot challenge superiors, as 'your military superior is not your shift manager at Starbucks.' The group says the rhetoric violates the separation of church and state.
The Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment, instead sharing public clips of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussing the Iran operation. Hegseth has previously endorsed Christian nationalism and 'sphere sovereignty,' a doctrine linked to Christian reconstructionism, which advocates capital punishment for homosexuality and patriarchal structures. In 2025, he reposted a CNN segment featuring pastor Doug Wilson, who said he wants the US to be a 'Christian nation' and opposes women in military leadership or combat roles.
