Yeah, there seem to be some parallels to the runup to WW II. After this is all over and has run its course in ten years or so, scholars may look back and see these parallels very clearly, but as we are experiencing things it is harder to see what will lead to what. One thing seems clear enough: Iran is just about on autopilot for their destination.
... and their destination may well include nuclear war against Israel (and maybe an EMP strike against the USA to start it out with) with their newly minted nucs.
Ahmadinejad is a pure fanatic. There is great danger ahead for a nuclear conflict and this move could well be part of the girding up process.