More Nations Join Middle East ConflictBy Bryan SmithAs additional nations signal their willingness to help secure the Persian Gulf, the conflict surrounding Iran is taking on an increasingly international character, raising concerns about regional stability and the possibility of wider war. A conflict involving several allied nations becomes far more difficult to contain than one limited to two opposing countries. As additional countries become involved, the possibility of a much larger regional war naturally increases. A localized conflict becoming an international war is precisely the type of development Bible students have long recognized as a possible precursor to this prophecy. Observe whether regional powers such as Turkey, Russia, China, or additional Middle Eastern nations become active participants in the conflict.