For anyone who might still be harboring the belief that Russia is not working to take the lead in Middle Eastern politics, think again. Iraq just received its first installment of a $4.3 billion weapons deal with Russia, according to an Iraqi official who announced the news last Thursday.

The deal, which had supposedly been scrapped at the start of the year amid corruption allegations, appears to be back on. Russia has worked to increase its arms deals to the war-torn region, and is now a key exporter to Iraq, coming in second only to the United States.

When the deal was first signed, Russian media reported that it involved 30 Mi-28 attack helicopters and 42 Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile systems. Now, however, there is talk of over 10 fully armed and equipped Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopters being sent as well, according to Fars News Agency.

The establishment of the arms deal signals Russia’s return to the region after a long absence during the Iraq War. In the days of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi military was primarily supplied by French and Soviet weapons. Then recently, with the war in Iraq and turmoil of the Arab Spring, Russia lost many of its weapons deals in nations such as Libya. But now, the Russians are back.

Throughout the Cold War, Russia was the global counterbalance to the United States. Undermining and opposing U.S. foreign policy is almost a way of life for Russia. In the Middle East, this policy of opposition is still being employed. Russia is a key ally and backer of Iran and many of the more radical nations in the region. The Russians are taking the lead in negotiations in Syria while backing the dictator, Bashar Assad.

For nations snubbed by the U.S., Russia is a welcomed benefactor. The Russians provide an alternative to making military deals with the U.S., and their patronage simultaneously establishes Russia as a dominant player in the region.

While Russia’s arms deal with Iraq does not constitute an immediate threat to the U.S., it does jeopardize U.S. influence in the region. If that influence wanes, then Russia and its allies—primarily Iran—stand to exert more influence over the Iraqi people.

This is not merely a theory, but a biblical prophecy.

Back in 2003, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote:

It may seem shocking, given the U.S. presence in the region right now, but prophecy indicates that, in pursuit of its goal, Iran will probably take over Iraq. At least, it will have a heavy influence over the Iraqi people. …So what will happen to Iraq when America and Britain can no longer support it? There is going to be a radical change in world events.

Today the U.S. presence is weaker than ever, despite the nation still being the largest weapons exporter to the Middle East. It has built up distrust among its allies through foreign policy blunders, and is emboldening its enemies through a weak stance on critical situations such as the Syrian civil war. As a result, American influence is steadily giving way to that of other powers, especially Iran and its chief weapons provider, Russia.

Mr. Flurry’s article goes on to explain Iran’s role in Bible prophecy as the king of the south (Daniel 11:40). This “king” will have control over much of the radicalized Middle East. Thus, any expansion of the power of nations such as Iraq, which is forecasted to be a part of the king of the south, is an expansion of Iranian power.

Continue to pay attention to Russian arms deals that weaken America’s presence and thus bolster Iran’s strength by way of its proxies. Russia is determined to regain the regional status it held in the days of the Soviet Union. Weak U.S. foreign policy is aiding in that rise. Watch as the U.S. fades from the limelight in the region as Middle Eastern nations look to rising powers such as Russia, Iran or Europe for their strength.

Be sure to read “Is Iraq About to Fall to Iran?” for more on Iraq’s biblical ties to Iran.