This is an interesting point in time on the second advent continuum with the United States, Israel, and Sunni Arab states confronting the growing hegemony of Shiite Iran. For Christian theologians the identification of the nations that comprise the components of the statue of Daniel two and beasts of Daniel seven has always been arbitrary and prone to failure in understanding the visions of Daniel when applied to a current context. Still, if the correct nations are assigned to the symbols of Daniel two and seven then their rise should continue in current events. That is what makes this point in time so interesting. Should the United States, Israel, and Sunni Arab states succeed in thwarting Iran’s hegemony then Iran as the leopard of Daniel seven would be in doubt. Iran’s influence in Syria and Lebanon appears beyond the influence of the United States et.al. It is in Iraq, Yemen, and Bahrain that will signal Iran’s growing hegemony next.
A next event to look for from the visions of Daniel it would be the coming of a third Supreme Leader. If Iran is the leopard of Daniel seven and the Persia of Daniel eleven then there is two more Supreme Leaders to come before the great war that sets up the rise of the antichrist.
There are no symbols in Christian eschatology that fit an association with the United States. The lack of symbols suggests that the United States is not a factor in the end-times. If the world is at the doorstep of the second advent then it is likely United States hegemony will dissipate. No amount of defenses spending, bellicose rhetoric, or military interventions will change that.
Over the next few months the world will see what God has in store.
May God bless you in your study of His word.