Evangelical Christian leaders reportedly gathered in the Oval Office with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday night, where they prayed for him and for what they described as the United States’ success in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The prayer session, which took place inside the White House office, drew attention as tensions continue to escalate between Washington and Tehran. Participants were said to have prayed over Trump while asking for divine guidance and victory for the United States.
The development comes amid separate reports that have sparked controversy within U.S. military circles. According to a religious freedom advocacy group handling complaints from service members, a U.S. military commander allegedly told personnel that Trump had been “anointed by Jesus” to ignite a chain of events in Iran that would lead to Armageddon and ultimately signal Christ’s return to Earth.
The group said several service members had raised concerns about the remarks, prompting it to review the complaints and examine whether the comments violated policies on religious neutrality within the armed forces.
The reports surfaced on the same day U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued strong criticism of Iran, describing the country as a “crazy regime” and accusing its leadership of pursuing what he called “prophetic Islamist delusions.”
Hegseth, who has previously been associated with Christian nationalist rhetoric, made the remarks while addressing growing hostilities between the two countries.
The incidents have fueled debate in political and religious circles about the role of faith-based rhetoric in U.S. foreign policy and military culture, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
As of press time, U.S. officials had not issued further clarification regarding the reported comments made to service members, while reactions from Iranian authorities were not immediately available.
