You voice a wise perspective, imho.
These guys in Iran think they represent the combined ambition of muslims worldwide. They talk with a twinkle in their eye about the ascension of the Mahdi Army. It's a source of pride that transcends borders.
I remember a guy who used to post here around 9-11 who had the script and verse about how the Mahdi (anti-christ?) would make himself known in a throng somewhere in Iraq/Iran after a glorious event. The guy on the white horse or whatever. The black flag. Remember? At the time we were thinking Bin Laden. The guy on the white horse or whatever.
I am concerned. Who was the fellow who used to post so many great points on ths topic? Of course we've been false alarmed before. Remember the double eclipse? But this is very different. Iran's guy has made the pronouncement.