In remarks delivered to Iran's air force, Supreme Religious Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran declared that: "The Iranian nation, with its unity and God's grace, will punch the arrogance (Western powers) on the 22nd of Bahman (February 11) in a way that will leave them stunned." Khamenei also serves as Iran's commander-in-chief as well as head religious figure.

This statement follows last week's declaration by President Ahmadinejad that Iran would strike a "telling blow" on the 31st anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. Intelligence analysts believe Iran is making these warlike statements as part of a campaign to shore up the increasingly unpopular government of Iran.

History is filled with examples of nations starting wars to protect their leaders' hold on power. Given their radical Islamic beliefs, it is no stretch to say that the leaders of Iran would gladly welcome all out war against Israel.

It is certain that Israel cannot allow a nation whose leader has announced his plan to see Israel "wiped off the map" to acquire nuclear weapons. The radical mullahs of Tehran view a violent and bloody war as a necessary step to establishing Muslim rule over the entire world. If China does try to protect Iran until it completes its work, what will Israel do?

I spoke from ATOMIC IRAN, my new book, at the Knesset in Israel and at a major university in the last few months. This is a crucial moment in Israel's history. Her enemies gather like ravening wolves circling their prey. They constantly plot and work toward her destruction. Iran has provided Hezbollah and Hamas with thousands of missiles and rockets to use to attack Israel. Iran is nearing completion of its nuclear weapons program. The world community is either turning a blind eye to the threat or actively helping Iran acquire these weapons of mass destruction.

This is more than a political or military struggle—this is a spiritual battle. The Enemy wants control of Jerusalem because the Holy City is central to God's prophetic plan for the future of our world.

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Mike Evans is an author and award-winning journalist who has served as a confidant to leaders in the Middle East for more than two decades. He has appeared on hundreds of network television and radio shows, including Good Morning America, Crossfire, and Nightline. He appears frequently on Fox News, CNN World News, NBC, ABC, and CBS. He has produced numerous television specials about the Middle East.