IRAN: LATEST PRAYER REQUESTS

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

Reflecting on the situation in her country, Sahar*, a Christian woman from southern Iran says: “Please keep praying, people here need hope. They need to know that there is a Saviour.”

The last week in Iran as has seen bombings, 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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Arina*, recently fled Iran with her family and now lives abroad. She expresses the emotional weight carried by many Iranians living outside the country. “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 and ask they will be protected from violence, 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