Update: latest prayer requests from Iran

Please pray for Iran and the wider region as the impact of war intensifies – and believers hope for the future.

“This pain is like childbirth, it comes with distress, but we pray for it to bring life and freedom soon,” shares Sahar*, a Christian woman from southern Iran. “Please keep praying, people here need hope. They need to know that there is a Saviour.”

Sahar’s hope and prayer describe the general situation in Iran as it ends a violent week of military strikes and ongoing devastation. 

Recent reports indicate that conditions in Evin Prison – the notorious jail in Tehran where many Christians and political prisoners are held – have deteriorated. Food distribution and communications have been cut off, there’s a heavy security presence, and prisoners are being moved to undisclosed locations. Currently, prisoners are vulnerable to harm from both internal realities and the ongoing external conflict. 

On 4 March, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for all civilians in the area of Tehran around Evin Prison. During the last 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June, an Israeli missile destroyed the main gate of Evin Prison. Right now, there are around 43 Christian prisoners in Iran today, all arrested because of their faith in Jesus. Although not all are present in Evin Prison, many are incarcerated there, and a strike on the prison puts them all in danger. In the video below, an Iranian believer outside the country prays for those in prison.

Currently, the country is facing a near-total internet blackout. This tactic has been used by authorities previously to suppress information. Millions are struggling to communicate with loved ones abroad, and share on-the-ground realities. 

Ongoing prayers

Iranian Christians have been praying and fasting since long before the war escalated, grieving oppression from government and its crackdowns on civilian protestors that left thousands dead. And now, those prayers have taken on an even greater urgency as they live in a warzone and grapple with uncertain futures. Believers are asking God for freedom, justice, courage, peace and salvation for their nation. 

“As I was driving, I thought I imagined a scene in my mind, but then I saw it with my own two eyes,” shares Maryam*, a Christian sister from southern Iran, remembering God’s promises and His faithfulness. “Water flowing through dry valleys just like the Lord’s promise. That same hope lives in my heart: God acts and His promises are not forgotten. Iran’s salvation will surely happen. Our Lord is alive.” 

While many Christians are hopeful, they’re also anxious and afraid for what is to come. 

“The atmosphere here is very heavy, and the security is too tight,” Sahar says. “I’m stressed from taking my mobile phone with me when I exit my house because of arrests. But I know that God is at work.”

Ahmad*, a Christian man from a port city echoes this hope. “He strengthens us,” Ahmad says. “In these days, Psalm 94 has been my comforting passage. It acknowledges despair and injustice, yet declares that God sees, judges and acts.” 

These testimonies remind us that despite fear and uncertainty, the church in Iran remains united in prayer, expecting God’s mighty work for a future where Iranian believers can finally practice their faith freely. “We trust that the birth of a new future for Iran is coming, in His perfect timing and will,” shares Behzad*. 

“I hope we can one day return“

Of course, the pain and fear of this moment is not just carried by those inside Iran. Iranians around the world, especially believers who fled because of their faith, are also deeply affected by the news, the uncertainty and the hope for change. 

Mary* is a Christian woman who fled Iran and now lives as a refugee. “My brother lived with me in a neighbouring country where he accepted Jesus as his Saviour,” she says. “He later returned to Iran and is now working in the navy. He is currently on the front line. Please pray for his wisdom, protection and safety during this time.”

Christian converts inside Iran, especially those serving in military environments, cannot openly speak about their faith. “Please pray for his protection, for his faith to be strong and to fix his eyes on Jesus in this time of conflict and fear,” Mary asks.

Another young Christian woman, Arina*, recently fled Iran with her family and now lives abroad. She expresses the emotional weight carried by many in the Iranian diaspora. “It was very difficult for me to leave home, and I was already dealing with the emotional toll of leaving my life behind,” Arina says. “As soon as we heard about the protests, I yearned to be with my people, protesting and chanting on the streets, and I missed that. Even right now, I know it’s a difficult and dangerous time, but I still wish I was inside my country. I hope we can one day return, and I hope it is soon. I’m devastated that I couldn’t be in my country during these days.” 

These voices remind us that this war and unrest is not only shaping the future of a nation, but also touches families across borders, separates loved ones, stirs longing and keeps many awake at night in prayer for Iran. But the prayers of Iranian believers can help inform how we pray with them as well – and remind us that God is ultimately in control.

Please pray

• Pray for the children of Iran. God’s Word tells us that ‘Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.’ (Psalm 127:3) Pray for protection from violence, from fear and from being used in any way that puts them in harm’s path. 
• Pray for protection over Christians in detention, especially in places like Evin Prison and other facilities where conditions are worsening. Ask God to protect them physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Pray for wisdom and courage for believers facing fear, displacement and uncertainty in their daily life.
• Pray for healing for the nation, for an end to violence and for lasting peace.
• Pray for the country’s leadership. May God raise just, compassionate leaders and protect the country from further harm and bloodshed, along with the entire Middle East region.
• Pray that the light of Christ would shine through the darkness, bringing hope and transformation to Iranian communities. 

 *Names changed for security reasons

28 February 2026

Urgent prayer needed for Iran and the region

Christians from Iran and the surrounding countries are calling for urgent prayer from their brothers and sisters around the world.

After weeks of negotiations, yesterday marked an end to the peaceful and diplomatic talks between Iran and the US. This morning, explosions were heard in Iran’s capital, Tehran, as Israel said it had launched a ‘pre-emptive’ strike against Iran. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a ‘special and immediate state of emergency’ in Israel. The airstrikes hit central Tehran as two waves of airstrikes have been carried out so far. Strikes were also heard in Isfahan and Qom. The attack followed a series of earlier airstrikes targeting South Lebanon. Both Iran and Israel have now closed their airspaces.

A prayer of hope

“As an Iranian and as a Christian, I speak with a heavy heart,” shares a local Open Doors partner. “I do not celebrate war, nor do I take lightly the suffering it brings to ordinary families in Iran, in Israel and across the region. Every life is precious before God.

“Yet as an Iranian, I also cannot ignore the deep longing for freedom that has lived in the hearts of our people for generations. If this painful moment becomes a turning point toward justice and true liberty, then my prayer is that it leads not to greater destruction, but to the restoration of dignity, hope and peace.”

He adds: “As followers of Christ, we pray for the protection of the innocent, for restraint among leaders, and for a future where Iran and the region may know freedom without fear. May God bring light out of darkness and peace out of turmoil.”

“A significant moment in Iran’s history”

An Open Doors expert on Iran shares: “The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marks a significant and sobering moment in Iran’s history. As an Iranian Christian, I cannot ignore that under his leadership the church in Iran lived for decades under intense pressure, facing restrictions, surveillance, arrests and the constant weight of uncertainty. Many faithful believers endured suffering simply for following Christ.

“Yet even in hardship, the church has remained resilient, prayerful and deeply rooted in hope. This moment is not about revenge or triumph, but about the possibility of a different future. One where freedom of conscience, dignity and justice are extended to all Iranians, regardless of faith or background. My prayer is that this turning point will open the way for peace, reconciliation and genuine freedom for our nation.”

Please keep praying

Given this escalation, we call for urgent prayers for the people in Iran, Palestinian Territories, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon and especially for our brothers and sisters. Please join in praying:

• for peace, protection and wisdom for the people of Iran and the wider region amid violence and uncertainty
• for comfort for families who have lost loved ones and for the lives of all citizens to be protected
• for families facing economic hardship, that the Lord would provide their daily bread
• for children who are are afraid and confused, that God would be their Comforter and protect their hearts and minds
• for those injured, both physically and psychologically, to receive divine healing and emotional restoration
• for Christians in these countries to remain vessels of hope, faith and light to their neighbours
• for leaders and decision-makers worldwide to act justly and wisely and speak boldly for freedom of religion and belief
• for Christian converts in detention, and for all believers held in custody, that they would be protected from any harm and released swiftly
• for courage and hope among Iranian Christians, that even in loss and fear, they would know that they’re not forgotten and not alone. Pray that they will rely on God these days.