9 Iran

Persecution Type
  • Islamic oppression (Very strong)
  • Dictatorial paranoia (Very strong)
  • Clan oppression (Medium), Christian denominational protectionism (Medium)
  • Organized  corruption and crime (Medium)
Christian population

1,245,000

Government

Theocratic Republic

Main Religion

Islam

Leader

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei

What does persecution look like in Iran?

In Iran, if you’re part of a traditional Christian community—Armenian or Assyrian Christian, for instance—your faith is likely tolerated. But you will also be treated as a second-class citizen. In addition, you are not allowed to worship or read the Bible in Farsi, Iran’s language or have any contact with Christians who have converted from Islam. If you’re caught supporting converts, you may be sent to prison.

For Christians who convert from Islam, not even the veneer of tolerance is present. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal in Iran, and anyone caught as a convert can be arrested and imprisoned. The government views conversion as an attempt by the West to undermine Islam and the Islamic government of Iran. This means that anyone who is discovered to be a member of a house church can be charged with a crime against national security, which can lead to long prison sentences. Anyone arrested or detained can be tortured and abused while in jail. Some Christians are released and monitored—and know a second arrest would mean a long prison sentence.

Christian converts who left Islam can also face pressure from their families and communities. Converts can lose their inheritance, unmarried Christians can be forced into marriage to a Muslim, and married believers may be forced to divorce or face losing their children. 

What changed this year?

The situation in Iran has remained largely the same—despite releases of sentenced Christians early in the reporting period, in July 2023 another wave of mass arrests took place. Life in the Islamic Republic continues to be difficult for believers; converts attend underground churches under incredible risk. But God is still working and moving among His people there and continues to grow the church in Iran. 

How can I pray?

  • Pray for secret converts from Islam in Iran. Pray they would find fellowship and that God would protect them from arrest and imprisonment.
  • Ask God to change the hearts of the Iranian government, that they would allow freedom for all religions.
  • Praise God that the church in Iran is growing! Ask God to continue to pour out His Spirit on Iranian believers.

More Christians need help than ever before.

As we close out 2023, the number of persecuted Christians is higher than ever. With greater persecution comes greater need. Your year-end gift will help – including providing more Bibles, more discipleship, and more relief aid.

Our year-end goal is $500,000 to help our persecuted family. Will you prayerfully give a gift today?

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