Voices from the Iranian Church Amid War

Over the past few days, both Iran and Israel have suffered significant casualties amid the escalating conflict. In Iran, panic has gripped Tehran, with long queues forming at petrol stations and suffocating traffic as residents try to flee the capital. The ongoing hostilities have sparked nationwide alarm and raised deep fears of wider instability. In the midst of this crisis, Iranian Christians, as well as church leaders from different regions, have reached out to ask for prayer;

• Pastor Ali*, who leads several house churches in Iran through online ministry, shares this heart-breaking update: “A Christian family in one of Iran’s major cities has lost the father. He had sent his wife and two young children to a safer city, but as he was preparing to leave their home, a nearby bomb explosion took his life. His family is now overwhelmed with grief. Please pray for comfort and strength. May God’s love heal this deep pain.”
• Church leaders outside of Iran do not face physical danger, but their hearts and minds are heavy with concern for their communities back home. With internet access restricted by the government, it’s often impossible to stay in touch or receive updates. One leader, Parsa*, shares: “I had to flee my country years ago due to persecution, and it breaks my heart that I cannot stand physically beside my brothers and sisters to hug them or pray with them. But please pray that the Holy Spirit will protect and comfort them.”
• A Christian sister from Iran, Mona*, shares: “The people of Iran do not want war. They long for peace. But what can be done when the government refuses to step down and must be removed by external force? Over the past 47 years – especially in recent years – Iranians have taken to the streets in protest, and this regime has killed thousands of young people. Perhaps now is the time their blood will bring real change and freedom.”
• Please pray that God would open the way for freedom in Iran without more innocent lives being lost. May He bring justice to those who have suffered through years of imprisonment, oppression, poverty, hopelessness, addiction, and lack of basic rights.
• Mehdi*, one of our partners in a neighbouring country, shares: “We had a powerful and blessed training for Iran’s persecuted church—thanks to your support. But on the final day, as attendees prepared to return home, flights were suddenly cancelled. Fearful for their families back in Iran and with no end to the war in sight, they are now trying to return by bus. Please pray for their safety and that the blood of the Lamb will cover them on their journey.”
• Morteza*, a Christian brother from Iran, urges the global church to pray: “Instead of protecting the people, the Iranian government is now arresting anyone caught taking or sharing photos and videos with news outlets. Christians are especially vulnerable, as they risk being accused of espionage and deemed a threat to national security. If their faith is discovered, the consequences are far worse. Please, during these dark days, be a voice for Iranian believers.”
• Pastor Fereshteh* shares: “Please pray for an end to this devastating situation. People are abandoning their homes and belongings, fleeing big cities without knowing if or when they’ll return. Grocery prices have soared, and many are trying to stock up in case of an emergency. In smaller towns, hotels and guest houses are filling up quickly. Please pray that, despite fear and differing opinions, people would remain united and support one another.”
• Taraneh*, a young Christian woman who fled Iran at the age of 14, speaks with sorrow: “When I left Iran, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to return. In recent years, despite all the hardship, I kept watching photos and videos online, amazed by how beautiful my city had become—a city I never had the chance to explore. My family and church kept praying that one day, I could go back. Now, after 12 years, I see bombings in the very places I longed to visit. Even if the war ends, even if I return … will there be anything left but ruins? This thought breaks my heart. Please pray for my people.”

Despite the pain, the Iranian church continues to place its trust and hope in Jesus. Pastors and leaders are now preparing for worst-case scenarios. If the war escalates and more civilians are impacted, they are considering how aid and support can reach those in need. Please pray for wisdom and for God to open practical ways to help those who are suffering.

Pray for the minds and hearts of the leaders in the region. May our Lord speak to them as they halt this war. May the Lord of peace calm the raging anger, and may the church continue to be an intercessor and a good witness in Iran, in Israel, and across the troubled Middle East.