Last year, the German government approved $1.42 billion worth of exports to countries that are involved in the Yemeni or Libyan civil wars, the news agency dpa reported, citing Germany’s Economy Ministry. Every year, weapons exports to the Middle East spark a great controversy in German politics. Why then is a prosperous nation like Germany interested in fueling wars in the Middle East?

Approved exports of German armaments to the Middle East have reached another record high. Last year, $923 million in weapons went to Egypt, according to Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics. Large amounts were also approved for Qatar ($374 million), the United Arab Emirates ($63 million), Kuwait ($63 million) and Turkey ($28.1 million). Permits were also issued for Jordan ($2.1 million) and Bahrain ($1.5 million).

In Yemen, Germany supports a Saudi Arabian-led alliance that includes the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. The alliance is fighting Houthi rebels, which are supported by Iran.

In Libya, Qatar and Turkey support Prime Minister Fajis al-Sarradsch. His enemy, Gen. Khalifa Haftar, is supported by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Every battleground in the Middle East is complex and involves various players. But in his landmark 2013 article “Watch Algeria!” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry explains which battle lines are the most important to discern. “Iran has designs on being the strongest power throughout the region and is extending its reach throughout North Africa,” he wrote. He said that Iran was doing all it could “to encourage the radicalization of Egypt and its spread into Libya.”

“But Iran isn’t the only one interested in Africa,” Mr. Flurry noted. “Germany is making strong inroads as well. Both of these powers are racing to get as much control of North Africa as they can. They will inevitably clash with each other.”

Today, it is evident that Germany is working to oppose Iran. The Bible reveals that this opposition will escalate until Germany ultimately goes to war against Iran itself.

Ever since Muammar Qadhafi was overthrown in Libya in 2011, Germany has sought to play a mediating role between the warring parties. While Germany’s diplomatic efforts appear peaceful, its weapons exports show that it does not shy away from fueling military conflicts. The consequences, both at home and abroad, of shipping billions of dollars of weapons to the world’s most unstable region are worth it—in order to oppose Iran.

“And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.” This prophecy in Daniel 11:40 describes a war between “the king of the south,” which Mr. Flurry proves is Iran and radical Islam, and “the king of the north,” which refers to a German-led European empire. (Request our free booklets The King of the South and Germany and the Holy Roman Empire for proof of the modern identities of these power blocs.)

As conflicts arise, the world moves closer to this prophesied clash. And that will trigger a conflict so great that Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24:22 no man would survive it. Continue watching German involvement in the Middle East.