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“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 Savior.”
Sahar’s hope and prayer describe the general situation in Iran as the country ends a violent week of military strikes and ongoing devastation. Reports across multiple fronts show us the need for prayer:
Several reports have confirmed that the Iranian government has used schools and hospitals for military operations in the past few days, turning safe spaces into potential military targets. This puts many children and vulnerable adults at risk.
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 March 4, 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.
Iran’s leadership situation is also uncertain after the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in recent military strikes. There are unverified reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, is being considered as a successor, which has raised alarm among the population and analysts alike about future governance and repression.
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.
Iranian Christians have been praying and fasting long before the war escalated, grieving the recent oppression from government and its crackdowns on civilian protestors that left thousands dead. And now, those prayers have continued … and taken on an even greater urgency as they live in a war zone 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*, a Christian man from Iran.
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 Savior,” 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 are not only shaping the future of a nation, but also touching families across borders, separating loved ones, stirring longing, and keeping 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.
• Pray for the children of Iran. God’s Word tells us that “children are a heritage from the Lord; a precious inheritance placed in our care.” Pray for protection from violence, from fear and from being used in any way that puts them in harm’s path.
• Pray for comfort for families and parents. May the peace of Christ calm their fears.
• 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 that they would not be used as human shields or as bargaining tools but be protected from any harm. Pray that prisons would not be targeted by attacks so that those trapped inside would not be hurt.
• Pray that the prisoners would experience Christ’s presence with them in every moment. May they be strengthened knowing that they are not alone. Ask the Lord to strengthen their families as well, and to provide wise legal support.
• Pray that God would soften the hearts of officials as they show mercy; may Christians in jail find grace and favor in the eyes of prison guards. Pray that they would be released and given their full rights very soon.
• Pray for wisdom and courage for believers facing fear, displacement and uncertainty in their daily lives.
• 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.
