An influential leader and prominent figure in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was one of Iran’s most well-known “moderates.” On Sunday, at age 82, he died from a heart attack in a hospital in north Tehran.

Depending on which news source you read, you will find a variety of obituary-like recounts of Rafsanjani’s presidency and life. Many in the left-wing media emphasize his support for fellow “moderate” and current Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, his support of the Green Movement, and his role in the cessation of the Iran-Iraq War as signs of an enduring commitment to moderation and reform in Iran.

But consider: The Green Movement collapsed; Rouhani has failed to raise standards of living or bring moderation to Iran’s political elite; and although the Iran-Iraq War is over, today’s Iranian military and Shiite militias are a vital part of Iraq’s own armed forces—essentially propping up the current Iraqi administration.

Furthermore, Rafsanjani’s death strikes a blow to Rouhani. Rafsanjani was a longtime supporter of Rouhani’s and was no doubt prepared to be a key ally in the upcoming elections. Rafsanjani’s history and prominent placement in Iranian politics would have been a bulwark of support for Rouhani.

A blow was also dealt to the broader “moderate” movement in Iran. High-ranking positions in the Guardian Council are primarily comprised of hard-liners—not to mention the top job of the supreme leader himself. The “moderates” and reformists of Iran have lost a powerful spokesman.

Furthermore, the hopes of a moderate supreme leader were further diminished by Rafsanjani’s death. Rafsanjani was head of the Expediency Council—the advisory council of the supreme leader. While unlikely to be in the running himself, Rafsanjani would have played a key role in choosing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s successor.

Rafsanjani’s latter works have barely outlived him. But what of his earlier days? One key policy looks set to live on well after his death. It is a policy that carries with it a warning: Iranian “moderates” are not moderate.

Nuclear Weapons

On al Quds Day on Dec. 14, 2001, Rafsanjani stated: “If one day, the Islamic world is also equipped with weapons like those that Israel possesses now, then the imperialists’ strategy will reach a standstill because the use of even one nuclear bomb inside Israel will destroy everything. However, it will only harm the Islamic world. It is not irrational to contemplate such an eventuality.” He was discussing the potential of nuclear war.

Mark Langfan of Arutz Sheva wrote about the capability of a crudely built nuclear weapon the size of that dropped on Hiroshima if detonated in Tel Aviv. It would instantly kill 2 million people and irradiate the coastal plain, wounding another 2 million. This is the sort of warfare Rafsanjani discussed, even as he was considered Iran’s lynchpin “moderate.”

Iran’s nuclear program has since been validated in perhaps the worst deal contrived during U.S. President Barack Obama’s tenure. Iran now inspects its own facilities and receives sanctions relief on the promise that it won’t pursue nuclear weaponry—all while advancing its nuclear-capable ballistic missile program.

The Rafsanjani-supported nuclear weapons program is going to live on. While he may not have seen the dream fulfilled, the current generation surely will.

Rafsanjani’s enduring legacy of support for nuclear armaments is indistinguishable from the current ruling class. This “moderate” did not bring reform or moderation, just more of the same post-revolution extremism.

In Rafsanjani’s Footsteps

This begs the question: Will Rouhani—a fellow “moderate”— be remembered as such? Or will his lasting actions, like those of Rafsanjani, only aid in the perpetuation of the radical regime?

Here are a few things to consider. The nuclear deal that Rouhani presided over has given the Iranian regime funds to perpetuate terror throughout the region. Rouhani has overseen Iran’s gains in Iraq—splintering the nation along the Sunni-Shiite divide. During his time on the world stage, relations with the Sunnis have been strained nearly to the breaking point. His first term in office saw hundreds of thousands die in Syria. He has supported Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Iranian people have received little-to-no benefit from the nuclear deal. Iran has not stopped funding terror or other programs maintained by Rouhani’s predecessor.

Meanwhile, the Western media clings to the belief that Rouhani is a moderate. But the facts say otherwise. Both Rouhani and Rafsanjani—two examples of supposed “moderates” in Iran—have carried out policies that maintain Iran’s extremism and bring the nation closer to obtaining nuclear weapons!

Rouhani might not be as vocal as Rafsanjani in calling for nukes, but his deals with the West have given Iran time, legitimacy and money. Remember in 2006 when Rouhani bragged about secret nuclear work? “[B]y creating a calm environment, we were able to complete the work on Isfahan [a nuclear enrichment facility].” That was while he was chief nuclear negotiator! Rouhani supported the quest for nuclear weapons, even if he won’t admit it today.

Rouhani is no different from Rafsanjani. And if Rafsanjani was unable or unwilling to moderate Iran over the course of his long political career, what hope should be placed in Rouhani?

Rouhani’s legacy and dreams will be the same as Rafsanjani’s—the same as Khamenei’s: radicalism. The only difference is Rouhani might yet see those dreams become a horrifying reality, in the form of nuclear weapons.

Dreams Become Reality

The Trumpet has stated repeatedly that Iran will soon gain the nuclear weapons that it desires. When that happens, terrible events prophesied in your Bible will also become reality. Read Daniel 8:23, 11:40, Leviticus 26:19 and Joel 2:3. These are just a handful of the prophecies that forecast a coming cataclysm.

But as abundant as these warnings are, so too are the promises that you can escape these terrible events!

Leviticus 26 is not just about curses; it is about blessings too! Remember that God never changes. The promises He made to ancient Israel can apply to you as well! Read the first 13 verses of Leviticus 26. God promised protection to Israel if it obeyed Him. Our path to true prosperity—even Iran’s path to prosperity—can be found in these verses. Tragically, most reject this knowledge and instead put their hope in the promises of “moderate” leaders.

As Rafsanjani and Rouhani both prove so well, there is no hope in the “moderates” of Iran. These men work only to promote violence, terror and eventually World War iii!

All people can take encouragement from Leviticus 26, if they heed and obey. You need to understand where Iran is heading, what it means for this world, and how you individually can be saved from the tragedy ahead.

Request and read our free booklets The King of the South and Jerusalem in Prophecy. If you seek real hope for major, lasting, peaceful reform, this is the place to start.