Analysis: Why the War in Iran Isn't a Religious Crusade

In the past, the idea of a religious war led by the United States against Islam generated controversy and significant criticism. The term "crusade," used by then-President George W. Bush, sparked a wave of outrage and efforts by the White House to control the damage.

The prevailing narrative among critics was that Bush, an evangelical Christian, was leading a holy war instead of a strategic one. This, they argued, could unite the Muslim world in a holy war against the United States. Commentator Bill Maher even suggested that the U.S. was spreading theocracy instead of democracy in Iraq.

In contrast to the situation in Iraq, the rhetoric about an "American crusade" is notably less frequent in the context of the conflict with Iran. Although Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has used language that evokes the crusades, with references to "overwhelming violence" and "eternal damnation," this discourse has not resonated in the same way it did two decades ago.

There are several reasons for this difference. The United States is fighting with the support of several Sunni Muslim nations against the Shias of Iran, which makes it difficult to characterize the conflict as a war against Islam. Furthermore, American society is less religious than it was 25 years ago, which reduces the impact of a bellicose religious discourse.

The decline of religiosity in the United States is a crucial factor. In 2001, approximately 14% of American adults stated that they did not believe in anything in particular, a significant increase from the previous decade. This trend continued, and a decade later, the percentage of non-religious, known as "nones," had increased to 26%.

In 2024, a decrease in this percentage was observed, which could indicate a change in trends. The decline continued in 2025, suggesting a change beyond a simple statistical anomaly. The causes of this reversal are uncertain, but could be related to the politicization of religion or a correction of trends exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed an interest in taking Iranian oil, which suggests a focus on economic interests. This stance contrasts with the idea of a clash of religious civilizations. The possibility of an amphibious assault to capture Iranian oil centers does not inspire the same patriotic fervor as religious narratives.

The lack of religious discourse in the conflict is partly attributed to the decline of religiosity in the United States. American society has experienced a significant change in its religious beliefs, which makes it difficult to mobilize public support around a religious narrative.

The combination of a less religious American society and a geopolitical strategy focused on the control of natural resources has transformed the perception of the conflict with Iran. The narrative of a "holy war" has lost strength, and the conflict is presented differently from previous wars.

The decline of religiosity, along with the decline in marriage rates, raises questions about social cohesion and the stability of the republic. The lack of strong social ties could affect the country's ability to maintain its government.