Iran
Christian prisoners in Iran temporarily released: a significant step towards religious freedom?
Good news from Iran: Nine converts acquitted
Nine Christians from Muslim backgrounds in Iran have been acquitted of charges relating to running houses churches and sharing Jesus.
Two women in Iran sent to prison for church activities
Two Christian women from Iran have started two-year prison sentences for involvement in church activities. The news reinforces the unpredictability of Iran’s justice system, after nine Christians were acquitted of charges earlier this year for participation in a house church. Please continue to lift your Iranian family in prayer.
Iran: “We are hopeful for change” – Open Doors stands in solidarity with protestors
Pastor Nadarkhani among several Christian prisoners released in Iran
What’s life like for Iranian Christian women? Dabrina shares with the UK Government
How Sahar from Iran is seeing change
Update: Christian convert released to be with son who has leukaemia
Update: Iranian couple acquitted and released from prison
Iranian prisoner Joseph Shahbazian freed from Evin Prison
Thank you for praying for Joseph Shahbazian – he has been freed from Evin Prison after initially being sentenced to 10 years for his involvement in a house church. Please continue to pray for a full recovery from his ordeal.
Iranian church leader forced into exile
Update: Three Christians in Iran face continued harassment, despite release from prison
You might remember Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi, three converts in Iran who were imprisoned in 2021 for their Christian activities. Despite being released last year, they continue to come under the scrutiny of the authorities.
Five ways you can pray for Iran
As tensions rise in the Middle East after recent events, here are five ways you can hold the church in Iran in your prayers.
Christian convert in Iran sentenced to 15 years in prison
Several Christians in Iran have been given prison sentences for their Christian activities, with one handed a 15-year term.
Iran’s new president unlikely to help Christian converts
Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is relatively moderate – but an Open Doors expert doesn’t think this will easily lead to religious freedom for Iranian Christians.
Good news from Iran – imprisoned pastor acquitted and released
Please join us in praising God for the release of a pastor sentenced to ten years in prison for his faith.
“Persecution might increase, but we are not alone!”: how you’re strengthening Fatemeh’s secret house church in Iran
Living as a Christian in Iran means living in constant fear and secrecy – but thanks to your prayers and support, believers like Fatemeh can continue to grow in their faith and strengthen more Iranian Christians.
Update: Positive developments for imprisoned Christians in Iran – thank you for praying
Many of you have been praying for Joseph Shahbazian and his family, as well as a convert called Amir-Ali Minaei. We have two positive updates on their situations, but your prayers remain needed.
Two Christians flee Iran to escape harsh punishments
The brutal crackdown on Christians in Iran continues, with harsh punishments meted out to two believers who have already escaped the country.
What the Iran/Israel conflict means for vulnerable Christians: please pray
As conflict between the governments of Iran and Israel escalates, here’s how Iranian Christians are particularly vulnerable. Please urgently pray for the region.
Hunted by the secret police, Somayeh brings hope to Iran
Much to her surprise, Somayeh* in Iran encountered God in a powerful way. People tried to silence her, but God had other plans.
Christians among prisoners transferred after airstrike on Evin Prison
Following an airstrike on Iran’s Evin Prison, Christians are among those transferred to another location. Please pray for them, and other believers imprisoned for their faith in the country, amidst tensions in the region.
Iran intensifies crackdown on citizens in wake of ceasefire – please pray
Following the Israel/Iran ceasefire, the Iranian government has intensified its long-standing use of fear and repression by executing prisoners, silencing dissent, and suffocating civil society under the banner of ‘national security’.
Update: Iranian convert detained after deportation back to country
One of three converts from Iran recently summoned to begin their prison sentences has been detained after being deported from Turkey.
The ‘unimaginable joy’ of an undercover believer in Iran
Bita was broken by life when an invitation to a house church introduced her to Jesus. She’s since been on a journey of healing – one that you’ve played a key role in. Thank you!
Iran’s state media labels Christians ‘spies’
Iranian state television has accused recently arrested Christians of espionage in a broadcast before any trial.
Update: Mina Khajavi released from Iran’s Evin Prison
Mina Khajavi has been released from Iran’s notorious Evin Prison, after being imprisoned for leading a house church.
Update: Christian prisoner in Iran severely injured after fall
Please pray for Aida Najaflou in Iran. The convert is in prison, facing multiple charges, and her suffering has worsened after she fell from the bunkbed in her cell.
Unrest in Iran: how to pray
Protests in Iran have gained global attention. How can we pray for the country at this pivotal time? How are Christians affected and how can we stand with the church in prayer?