The Head Pastor of the Open Doors Churches International, Rev. Dr. Benny Peprah- Antwi, has challenged the widely circulated claim that tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran are primarily driven by concerns over nuclear weapons.
Speaking during the midday news on Ahotor 92.3 FM with Richard Appiah-Kubi, the respected Bible Scholar offered a detailed historical and geopolitical perspective, arguing that the conflict involves deeper political interests rather than the nuclear weapons narrative often presented in global media.
According to Rev. Dr. Peprah- Antwi, the ongoing hostilities should not be reduced to the issue of nuclear arms alone. In his view, the situation is rooted in a complex mix of strategic, historical and geopolitical interests that have shaped relations in the Middle East for decades.
Historical and Biblical Context
Providing a historical background, Rev. Dr. Peprah Antwi explained that modern-day Iran was historically known as Persia, a civilization that features prominently in biblical history. He noted that several biblical figures, including Esther, Daniel, and Ezekiel, are recorded in the Bible as having lived or ministered in Persia.
He further pointed out that during the era of the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar, the Persian Empire later emerged as a powerful force that challenged Babylon’s dominance. According to biblical accounts, he said, foreign settlers and exiles were eventually instructed to return to their native lands.
“Persia, which is now known as Iran, is not a new nation that appeared from nowhere,” Rev. Dr. Peprah Antwi emphasized. “Its presence and influence go far back into both historical and biblical records.”
Four Reasons Behind the Conflict
Rev. Dr. Peprah- Antwi outlined four major reasons he believes explain the actions taken by Israel and the United States toward Iran.
First, he claimed that Israel seeks to weaken Iran strategically to prevent it from becoming a dominant regional power capable of rivaling Israel’s influence in the Middle East.
Secondly, he suggested that instability in the Gulf region could create divisions among Middle Eastern nations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, thereby weakening regional alliances and shifting the balance of power.
Thirdly, the pastor argued that the United States has historically sought to maintain influence over powerful nations around the world in order to secure its geopolitical and economic interests.
“In global politics, powerful countries often seek to control other influential nations to ensure that their own interests are protected,” he said. “Iran is one of the few Middle Eastern countries that the United States does not fully control.”
According to him, this perceived independence has made Iran a strategic target.
His fourth point touched on long-standing interpretations of biblical prophecy concerning the land historically associated with Israel. He referenced interpretations that claim the promised land extends across vast territories in the Middle East.
However, Rev. Dr. Peprah Antwi was quick to clarify that current political conflicts should not be interpreted as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
“This Is Not the End-Time Prophecy”
When asked whether the current conflict could be linked to biblical prophecies or the second coming of Jesus Christ, Rev. Dr. Peprah Antwi firmly dismissed the idea.
“This is not the time for that prophecy to be fulfilled,” he stated. “It is also incorrect to claim that these events are clear signs of the second coming of Christ.”
He argued that wars and political conflicts are often driven by the ambitions and personal interests of leaders rather than divine prophecy.
According to him, individuals such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have pursued policies based on political calculations rather than prophetic fulfillment.
“If God gives a prophecy, human beings cannot force its fulfillment,” he explained. “Prophecy unfolds according to God’s own timing and season.”
Rev. Dr. Peprah -Antwi cited Zechariah 14:4, which describes a future event in which the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem will split in two, forming a great valley during the end-time battle known as Armageddon.
He questioned whether any such biblical event has taken place today.
“Has any mountain split into two as described in the scriptures?” he asked. “Are world leaders the ones meant to sit on that mountain? These things have not happened.”
Nuclear Agreement and Recent Developments
The pastor also addressed the long-standing international dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.
He recalled that Iran had previously entered into an agreement with global powers regarding the development of nuclear technology, allowing international energy experts to inspect and monitor its facilities.
According to Rev. Dr. Peprah -Antwi, those inspections indicated that Iran’s nuclear activities were primarily intended for defensive and energy purposes rather than global destruction.
However, he noted that when Donald Trump assumed office in 2017, his administration withdrew from the nuclear agreement, escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
He further stated that diplomatic negotiations involving several countries had recently taken place to address concerns over atomic energy and nuclear technology. Iran, he said, participated actively in those discussions and received commendation from other nations for its cooperation.
Surprisingly, he added, only a few days after those negotiations, the United States and Israel reportedly launched coordinated attacks on Iranian targets.
Call for Greater Transparency
Rev. Dr. Peprah -Antwi concluded by urging the international community and the global media to examine the deeper geopolitical motivations behind conflicts rather than accepting simplified explanations.
“Many people understand the truth but often choose not to speak about it,” he said. “The claim that this war is purely about nuclear weapons does not reflect the full reality.”
He emphasized the importance of informed public discourse, urging world leaders to pursue peaceful negotiations and responsible diplomacy rather than escalating tensions that could destabilize the region.
Story by Freedom Etsey lavoe/Ahotoronline.com