US soldiers allege they are being brainwashed in the name of the Bible during the Iran war.

Desk: Nearly 30 Democratic lawmakers in the US have alleged that the war against Iran is being presented to American soldiers as a biblical prophecy. They say that some soldiers were told that this war would lead to Armageddon, the final religious war, and would pave the way for the return of Jesus Christ. Demanding an investigation into the matter, the lawmakers have written a letter to the Defense Department’s Inspector General. The letter was obtained by the news website Military.com on Friday.

It bears the signatures of several Democratic leaders, including Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Washington State Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also signed it. The lawmakers say that some military commanders are using religious prophecy and doomsday-related ideas to justify US Iran policy. If true, they say, this raises serious constitutional concerns. It could also violate US Department of Defense regulations requiring the military to remain religiously neutral.

Lawmakers have also questioned whether such statements are part of a larger political climate in which US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials are presenting Middle East policy from a religious perspective. Hegseth has previously been embroiled in controversy. He has a tattoo of a Crusader cross on his chest and the Arabic word “kafir” written on his arm. The word “kafir” is used in Islam to refer to those who do not believe in the oneness of God. This issue was a topic of considerable discussion during his Senate appointment.

Hegseth was also accused of sexual harassment, alcoholism, and racism. Ultimately, after the Senate was tied 50-50, his appointment was approved 51-50 with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Last week, Hegseth said on CBS’s 60 Minutes that soldiers should pray before battle. He said soldiers should have a connection with God.

Meanwhile, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation reported receiving more than 200 complaints from soldiers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. The organization’s founder, Myrl L. Weinstein, said many soldiers were told they should be encouraged to participate in the war against Iran because it would lead to the final holy war and the return of Jesus Christ.