A religious leader in traditional attire stands before a city skyline with an Iranian flag, symbolizing faith amidst a dramatic, stormy backdrop.

Mahdism: The Religious Cult of Iran’s Rulers

Western policymakers and political pundits mistakenly interpret Iran’s relationships with the rest of the globe, particularly the United States and Israel, as well as with the broader Islamic world, through the lens of the Shia–Sunni divide.

Image depicting a serious discussion on U.S.-Iran relations, featuring an Iranian official and Donald Trump, with an oil facility and Iranian flag in the background.

REPORT: Iran Is Hours Away From Doomsday — Here Is Its Only Way Out

WATCH: Iran Is Hours Away From Doomsday — Here’s Its Only Way Out As tensions with Iran continue to escalate, the focus has shifted away from isolated military engagements and toward a broader, more consequential strategy.  The central development discussed in this episode is the ultimatum issued by Donald Trump: reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face direct strikes on critical infrastructure, including power plants and oil facilities.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a press conference in the White House, flanked by officials and American flags.

WATCH LIVE: President Trump Holds Press Conference Following Rescue of American Pilot in Iran – 1 PM ET

President Trump will hold a press conference in the White House Press Briefing Room this afternoon, following the operation to rescue an American flight crew in Iran over the weekend.  President Trump announced on Sunday that he would hold the news conference “with the military.” “We have rescued the seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran,” the President said, noting that Iranian forces were “looking hard, in big numbers, and getting close.” “This type of raid is seldom attempted because of the danger to ‘man and equipment.’ It just doesn’t happen!

Donald Trump and a smiling associate stand together in a formal setting, with American flags and presidential seals in the background.

JUST IN: Trump Says He Will Hold Oval Office News Conference with the Military Following Rescue of American Pilot in Iran

President Trump announced on Sunday that he will hold a news conference in the Oval Office “with the military” on Monday.  “We have rescued the seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran,” the President said, noting that Iranian forces were “looking hard, in big numbers, and getting close.” “This type of raid is seldom attempted because of the danger to ‘man and equipment.’ It just doesn’t happen!

Press conference at the Pentagon featuring officials discussing military matters, with American flags and department emblems in the background.

WATCH LIVE: War Sec Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine Deliver Press Briefing Following Massive Airstrikes on Iranian Military Base in Isfahan – 8 AM ET

War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine will deliver a press briefing this morning as the war in Iran is well into its fifth week.  The US launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28, with a major attack on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of top Iranian officials.