Dispatches from Iran

“It was such a relief to finally hear the voices of our sisters and brothers after nine days of silence,” shares an Open Doors partner who recently managed to have brief calls with some believers in Iran. “Praise the Lord, they are safe.” 

It’s been difficult to communicate with Christians in Iran since the war began. Phones and internet have been largely blacked out during the past week-plus of conflict, so contact has only been possible in very brief windows.  

Despite the darkness of war, God’s light is still shining. One Christian couple that lives very small home with their four children heard that another Christian family’s house had been severely damaged by the impact of a nearby explosion. Despite their own limited space and financial challenges, they immediately opened their home and decided to host them in their small apartment. Though fear and uncertainty surround them, they gather each evening to pray, read the Bible and encourage one another. In the middle of loss, they have discovered a deeper fellowship and unity in Christ. Their home has become a small refuge of faith, hope and love. 

They thank God not only for safety, but for the blessing of sharing life together. Even in war, their hearts are filled with praise, trusting that God is present and faithful.

  “Our vision has always been to empower the church in Iran so that they can support one another with what they have, stand independently, and experience God’s work among them," shares the partner. “Even though the situation in the country remains very difficult and unstable, I praise the Lord to see that the very vision we have prayed for is becoming a reality.”
 

What’s happening—and how you can pray

For those who are missing:

Another Open Doors partner told us about a Christian family in Iran who has been living with deep uncertainty. Shortly before the war began and communication lines were cut, the partner had a conversation with the family about their eldest son, who has been missing since the January protests.

  “The family has searched desperately for answers, visiting prisons and even mortuaries, yet they have received no information about his whereabouts,” our partner shares. “The family is deeply affected by this. Please pray for protection over their son, wherever he may be, and for comfort for his parents as they wait for any clue or news about their son. The silence and uncertainty have been incredibly heavy for them, especially now that communication with the outside world has become even more limited.”

Will you pray with them right now? 

• Pray that God would protect the missing son and watch over him, wherever he may be.
• Pray that the family would experience God’s comfort and peace while living with such painful uncertainty.
• May the truth come to light and that the family would soon receive clear and hopeful news.

 

For the desperate economic situation: 

Another one of Open Doors’ partners in the region shared about the growing economic hardship across Iran and how it has deeply affected the communities served by the Iranian church. Even before the current conflict, many families were already struggling with inflation and poverty. For years, believers have tried to respond to these needs in practical ways, helping families find work and providing essentials such as food, clothing, school materials for children, and medical support. But the protests and the harsh crackdown that followed have made the situation far worse. Many people have lost their livelihoods, and in some families, the main provider has been arrested or killed. As a result, the needs around the church have grown significantly.

  Additionally, when a strategic chokepoint like the Strait of Hormuz is closed, the consequences spread through layers of the economy and society, especially for Iranians who have long suffered from inflation. The result is a cost-of-living crisis for many people—higher food prices, medicine shortages, and unemployment in multiple sectors.

The church in Iran has tried to share the love of Jesus and bring hope to many lives through practical acts of service. But now the needs have increased even more. “I have not heard from them for some time, and with the war, the situation is likely even harder,” our partner says. “Please pray that God Himself would provide the needs, protect them from harm, and allow the church to continue being a refuge for many.”

Please pray with your Iranian brothers and sisters now: 

• Pray that God would miraculously provide for the practical needs of believers and the communities they are serving.
• Pray that the church would have wisdom, strength and resources as they continue caring for others during this crisis.

 

For those in prison: 

A few reports say that some of the wardens have abandoned parts of Evin prison, the notorious jail in the Iranian capital of Tehran, where many political prisoners—including Christians, as they are jailed for “political” reasons—are kept. Conditions even before the war were atrocious, and many believers reported being tortured in the prison.

Now, with no wardens, inmates are largely left to themselves, and the situation inside sounds quite chaotic. Basic supplies seem to be very limited. “One of my family friends who is currently imprisoned there managed to pass on a message saying that they’re basically surviving on bread and water, and even that has become very expensive,” shares an Open Doors partner. “He said in some cases the guards refuse to give prisoners water unless they pay for it, which is heartbreaking to hear.” In the video below, an Iranian believer outside the country prays for those in prison.
  Pray for those imprisoned, especially Christians (there are at least 48 Christians imprisoned for their faith in Iran), that God would miraculously provide for their needs and allow for their safe release. Pray for the families of those imprisoned as well.

 

For those conscripted into the military: 

Reports say that some Iranian commanders have abandoned their barracks during ongoing strikes, leaving conscripted soldiers behind to remain on guard duty and face the danger without leadership or support. Military service is mandatory in Iran for all men who turn 18. 

“My nephew is currently serving as a conscript in the defence forces and is stationed in one of the barracks in Iran,” says Mohsen*, an Iranian believer. “Recently, many of the commanders left the barracks and the young soldiers have been placed on the front line. As you can imagine, this is a very worrying situation for our family.”

Pray for Mohsen’s nephew and other Christians involved in the fighting—particularly for those who don’t have a choice: 

• Pray that God will protect Mohsen’s nephew; may our Lord watch over him, keep him safe, and replace fear with faith. Pray for peace in his heart during this difficult time.
• Pray for innocent soldiers who are left without a leader to guide them, especially those that were forced into these roles. May they not be harmed and pray that peace will come in time to spare their lives.
• Pray for mothers, sisters and family members who are extremely worried knowing that their loved ones are in danger.

 

For civilians and their protection:

While Iranians have mainly remained in their homes due to the ongoing war, the Iranian regime has been using heavily populated civilian areas to conduct military operations, including launching one-way attack drones and ballistic missiles. This dangerous decision puts lives of civilians at risk, especially since locations used for military purposes lose their protected status and could become legitimate targets under international law. 

Additionally, figures linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards—the powerful group of armed forces in charge of keeping the Islamic Republic going—have tried to avoid being identified during strikes by wearing civilian clothing, including women’s Islamic robes or even emergency service uniforms. 

Pray for innocent lives to be spared:

• Pray for the people of Iran, that God will protect every family and every child from harm. May civilians who are staying in their homes be protected, just as Rehab and her household were saved in Jericho.
• Pray for peace over cities and neighbourhoods where innocent people live.
• Pray that fear will turn into faith and hope, even in dangerous times.
• Pray that leaders would not use innocent people as human shields, and would lessen the likelihood that civilians will be attacked.
• Pray for an end to bloodshed and for peace in Iran. Pray for leaders who will act on their people’s behalf, rather than repress them.

 

For Iranians outside of the country:

The Islamic Republic’s Attorney General’s Office has issued a statement earlier this week, threatening Iranians living abroad that if they engage in what they called “collaboration with the enemy,” their properties and assets would be confiscated, and they would be subject to other “punishments in accordance with the Islamic Penal Code, including the death penalty.”

Pray for this situation:

• May the God of justice, protect the homes and properties of those who cannot defend themselves.
• Pray for protection and peace for those people living in exile—protection from losing what belongs to them through oppression or abuse of power. 
• Pray for those who long to return and live in their home country.