While the Brexit vote cast a gloomy shadow over much of the world, one nation was quick to voice its optimism—Iran. The Islamic Republic’s military and political figureheads seem to agree that the vote was in Iran’s best interests.

Yet the world’s most reliable news forecaster says Iran will actually suffer at the hands of a Britain-free Europe.

But before discussing that forecast, let’s examine why Iran is optimistic about Brexit.

Revenge

Much of the excitement generated in Tehran surrounds the chaos Brexit has caused. Long before the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Britain and Iran were suspicious of one another. The British opposed Iranian domestic policies in the 50s—primarily those concerning the nationalization of the oil industry—and subsequently backed a coup to replace then Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh. This led to deep distrust from the Iranian populace and strong accusations pointed at Britain. With all the chaos now engulfing the European continent, some in Iran, particularly its hard-liners, believe the British are facing their comeuppance.

The deputy chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri, was quoted after the Brexit vote saying, “Britain must pay the price for years of colonialism and crimes against humanity.” The comments complement the views of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has called Britain “evil ” and “wicked.”

But Iran is looking to gain more than simple revenge.

Economy

Iran could see itself open to more trade. Some in Iran, including Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office for Political Affairs Hamid Abutalebi, believe that Brexit is a sign of the disintegration of the European Union. He believes the dissolution of the EU would open up an “historic opportunity” for Iran.

As some commentators suggest, Iran believes trade deals would be far easier with individual nations rather than working with the EU as a whole. After all, the EU sided with the United States to implement nuclear sanctions against Iran. It is also stringent EU law pertaining to human rights that prevent nations like Italy, Greece or Spain from making lucrative trade deals with Iran.

Some have even speculated that Iran could set aside old hostilities with Britain and open up trade talks.

European Army

While Iran may be looking to capitalize economically and strengthen its presence in the European community, it is missing the broader effect Brexit will have on Europe.

Only last week, EU officials made waves with the release of a document highlighting the need for a “stronger Europe” that draws from “the combined weight of a true union.” It was a leap toward a unified European army. The Trumpet has long forecast the rise of such a military and what it will do.

The EU has troops stationed throughout the Middle East on peace operations. The EU naval force has 1,141 military servicemen operating in the Mediterranean. Another 1,200 are fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden. It has 125 troops stationed on the ground in Somalia itself.

Altogether, the European Union commands a force of 3,705 troops, 749 international policemen and 788 civilians on peacekeeping missions across the globe—particularly in the Balkans and Africa.

And that doesn’t include the missions of individual European nations. For instance, Germany has a handful of troops and police in Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Closer to Iran, Germany has a $2.6 billion weapons deal with Qatar, including dozens of Leopard ii tanks. It has sold $9.3 billion in arms to the United Arab Emirates. There are also deals under way with Saudi Arabia, including the construction of a machine-gun factory there and sending the Saudis 72 Eurofighters and somewhere between 270 and 800 Leopard ii tanks.

German military personnel are also in Djibouti and Somalia. The Bundeswehr has a frigate, maritime surveillance planes and 340 troops in the Arabian Sea.

There are also 4,400 German soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.

North in Uzbekistan is a German air base with 300 military staff plus transport aircraft.

That is just a few examples of one nation. Be sure to request our free booklet Germany’s Secret Strategy to Destroy Iran for more details.

Other EU nations are also involved. France controls a base in Djibouti housing 1,500 troops. Italy is sending a large contingent to Libya; the daily newspaper Corriere della Sera placed the number between 600 to 900 troops, though the government denies it will be that high. Italy also has bases in Djibouti and the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Diplomat in Spain, the Spanish military’s international presence increased by more than 60 percent from August 2014 to August 2015—predominantly across Africa and the Middle East.

Then there is Turkey. The same document that called for a European army also stated that a union with Turkey should happen as soon as possible. Should that eventuate, this integration would place strategically vital regions such as the Dardanelles and northern Cyprus under EU authority.

Alone these contingents, deals and alliances may seem miniscule, but combined they paint an astounding picture.

Foretold and Forewarned

Back in 2013, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote the following, in an analysis based on the world’s most reliable news forecaster, the Holy Bible (emphasis added):

Tehran is pushing its own strategy very effectively. However, this is about to dramatically change.Biblical prophecy refers to this end-time Islamist power as “the king of the south.” (You can prove this to yourself by ordering a free copy of our booklet The King of the South.) It shows that this nation will play a key role in lighting the fuse to a world war!It also tells us that as the Iranians push their own agenda—growing more and more confident by other nations’ weakness and inaction—they will suddenly be blindsided by a whirlwind attack that will wipe them out!We have taught for about 20 years, based on this prophecy, that Iran and its radical Islamist allies are going to be conquered. But we have never been able to tell you how it is going to happen. Until now.The Bible tells you how this will happen! Daniel 11:40 speaks of a “whirlwind.” This one word prophesies how this clash with Iran is going to unfold. It reveals in detail what is about to happen in the Middle East—and in Africa, southwest Asia and Europe.

Isn’t Iran confident today considering Europe’s current political climate? Iran’s leaders see this as an “historic opportunity!” But all the while they ignore the possibility that an EU without Britain will be a major threat!

Consider the prophecy Mr. Flurry mentions in Daniel 11, then look at the positioning of European forces in relation to Iran and its proxies. Iran is being surrounded, as figures in the map contained within that article show. Mr. Flurry continued:

How, exactly, has the king of the north surrounded the king of the south? Its troops haven’t encircled Tehran. It doesn’t have bases and aircraft carriers dotting Iran’s borders. But it has made some very intelligent, very strategic deployments and deals that give it a presence all the way around Iran’s sphere of influence.

When the Vortex Starts Spinning

Bible prophecy indicates that Iran will be completely blindsided in this encircling whirlwind attack. The encirclement has already begun.

So how does this tie to Brexit? When the British were in the EU, there was someone to keep tabs on Germany—however ineffectively.

Britain was strongly opposed to a European army. London was key in blocking or slowing the march of the dominating German powerhouse. Now, no sooner than Britain decides to exit, we see German and EU elites taking drastic steps toward a combined European army. And Britain won’t be there to stop them.

Link that to the prophecies surrounding the king of the north and you can see that Iran is in trouble. The sure word of Bible prophecy has pointed to the founding of a deadly united Europe, and has even revealed who that power will turn on.

Iran’s optimism at the Brexit vote shows how dangerously naive Tehran’s leadership is, and how it underestimates Europe’s power.

But just as Iran is to be caught off guard, so too will much of the world. Remember, as Mr. Flurry stated in his article, this whirlwind will spark World War iii!

Neither Iran nor you nor I need be caught unawares by this sudden assault. Be sure to read Mr. Flurry’s books and booklets on this subject, and be sure to keep tuning in to the Key of David television program and our various radio programs. While terrible times are prophesied to come, there is incredible hope bound up in these promises.

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. … [W]hen ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand” (Luke 21:28, 31).

To some analysts and nations like Iran, this truth makes no sense. They may even scoff at it. But as Mr. Flurry concluded his article, “This insight can only come from God. And He has now revealed it. This is not just blitzkrieg. We are about to witness a whirlwind. And it was all prophesied in your Bible: Daniel 11:40!”