When watching Christian TV becomes a crime

Christian satellite TV channels in Iran are now illegal. They have been classed as ‘hostile’ organisations, and watching them is a crime.

Written by Bahar*, an Iranian Christian living outside the country

For many Christians around the world, watching a sermon online or turning on a Christian television channel is an ordinary part of everyday life. It is a way to worship, learn from Scripture and stay connected with the wider church.

For many Iranian Christians, however, that simple act has suddenly become much more dangerous.

In a newly published directive, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has classified several Persian-language Christian satellite broadcasters as ‘hostile’ organisations. The networks have been listed alongside major opposition media outlets, with authorities warning that any form of ‘cooperation’ with these organisations could lead to prosecution under Iran’s expanded espionage laws.

At first glance, this may appear to be another media restriction. In reality, it strikes at one of the few remaining lifelines available to many Christians inside Iran.

A church beyond four walls

Over the past four decades, the Iranian government has systematically restricted Persian-speaking Christian ministry. Churches have been closed, house churches have been raided, Christian literature has been confiscated and converts from Islam have frequently faced arrest under broad national security charges. In this environment, Persian-language Christian satellite channels have filled a critical gap by broadcasting Bible teaching, worship, testimonies and pastoral encouragement directly into Iranian homes.

For countless believers, these broadcasts are far more than television programmes.

As one Iranian Christian, Mahsa*, explains: “There are so many people in Iran hearing the gospel for the very first time through these satellite TV programmes. When there is no church to visit, no Christian community you know, no Bible and no Christian materials available, these TV programmes become the only place where people can hear God’s Word.”

For someone exploring Christianity in complete isolation, a satellite broadcast may be their first encounter with the gospel. For a new believer, it may become their only source of biblical teaching and encouragement.

Isolation is part of the persecution

Iranian Christians often describe following Christ as a journey marked by isolation. Converts frequently cannot tell family members about their faith. Many do not know other Christians personally. Some have never entered a church building. Others have watched their house churches disappear after arrests or government pressure.

Mahsa recalls what these broadcasts meant during that loneliness: “When you think you are the only Christian in your town or city, these programmes help you pray, hear God’s Word and realise you have not been forgotten; you are connected to a much bigger body of believers.”

That sense of belonging is exactly what persecution seeks to destroy.

Criminalising access to hope

The latest designation goes beyond restricting media organisations. It potentially places ordinary viewers under suspicion.

Anyone who watches, contacts or shares content from these ministries may now fear being accused of cooperating with a ‘hostile’ organisation. Given Iran’s history of using vague national security charges against Christian converts, many believers worry that peaceful acts of faith could increasingly be portrayed and treated as threats to the state. At least five Christians have already been prosecuted under the new espionage legislation, while dozens more were arrested following last year’s conflict and falsely accused of links to foreign powers.

The fear extends far beyond satellite television. As Mahsa explains: “Many young people already don’t dare follow Christian pages on Instagram, or like or comment on Christian videos on YouTube. Even visiting those pages means using secure VPNs and carefully deleting search history afterwards. We are not even allowed to access Christian resources freely.”

For many believers, the simple act of searching for Jesus online has become something they must hide.

The gospel cannot be silenced

The Iranian authorities may seek to silence Christian voices, but history tells another story.

Despite decades of persecution, the church in Iran continues to grow. God continues to call people to Himself in remarkable ways. Satellite television, online ministry, Scripture distribution and countless personal testimonies have all become instruments through which many Iranians have encountered Christ.

The government’s latest measures reveal not the weakness of the church, but its enduring influence. If these broadcasts carried no significance, they would not be treated as a threat.

As access becomes more dangerous, the global church has an opportunity and a responsibility to stand alongside believers in Iran through prayer.

*Name changed for security reasons