Answer: ZOROASTER

Zoroaster refers to the Persian prophet and religious leader also known as Zarathustra. He founded the religion of Zoroastrianism, which heavily influenced the development of Western philosophy and theology. In terms of the clue you mentioned, Zoroaster's teachings on concepts like the eternal recurrence and the will to power are said to have inspired Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Founder of a Persian religion. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.