Following the so-called "Twelve-Day War" in June 2025, the Iranian regime dramatically intensified its crackdown on Christian communities, accusing church leaders of being "Mossad mercenaries". A new law published in June 2026 now classifies Christian converts from Islam as "Zionist traitors", a designation that can lead to a conviction for "moharebeh", enmity against God, an offense punishable by death in the Islamic Republic of Iran. At least 53 Christians have been arrested in this latest wave of repression, according to the organization Article 18.
In May 2026, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of three leaders of "a Christian evangelistic network" in Yazd province, accusing them of establishing a "house church" and converting members of their own families to "Zionist Christianity". In January of the same year, at least ten Christians were detained in three different locations in Fars province during a coordinated Revolutionary Guard operation against small faith communities. Amir-Ali Minaei, 32, who had been imprisoned for leading a house church, was released in April after two years in Evin, one of Iran's most feared prisons.
Despite extreme persecution, reports from missionary organizations indicate that Iran is home to one of the most significant movements of Christian growth in the Islamic world. The number of believers has grown significantly, especially among young people disillusioned with the clerical regime. Pastors working underground report that small groups are multiplying in several cities. Christianity Today reported in April 2026 that the Iranian Church endures and grows even in the face of the harshest campaign of repression in decades.
Pray for the 53 imprisoned Christians and all those whose names remain unknown, asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in their cells and to spare each one from execution. Intercede for the judges and authorities trying these brothers and sisters to be touched by God's presence. Pray that the underground growth of the Iranian Church will continue unhindered, and that every attempt at repression will lead to the gospel spreading further across the country.
