In the early hours of Friday, 13 June 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale pre-emptive strike involving over 200 aircraft and covert sabotage operations against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The strikes reportedly killed top Revolutionary Guard commanders, including Gen. Hossein Salami and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, as well as nuclear scientists. Dozens of civilians were also injured, including children, in the blasts across Tehran and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel. The entire region is now on high alert, with disrupted airspace, surging oil prices, and mounting international pressure for de-escalation.
Amid this crisis, Iran’s Christian minority face particular peril. Under Iran’s theocratic regime, Christians, especially converts from Islam, already live under severe restrictions. Religious freedom monitors note that such converts “face severe religious freedom violations,” often being viewed as Western-influenced threats to the state. Both leaders and ordinary members of house churches are frequently arrested and given long prison terms on vague “acting against national security by connecting with ‘Zionist’ Christian organisations” charges. With tensions now erupting between Iran and Israel, persecution-watchers warn that Iranian Christians will be even more vulnerable to suspicion and repression.
Will you join us in praying for our world and particularly for our brothers and sisters in Iran and Israel?
“Lord of peace and justice, we cry out to You amid this escalating conflict. Comfort those injured and grieving in Iran and Israel. Restrain the hands of violence, give wisdom to leaders, and protect the innocent. Let Your mercy break through the chaos. We pray for an immediate ceasefire, healing for the wounded civilians, and divine restraint over further military escalation between Israel and Iran. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” – Open Doors’ Senior Advisor on Iran
*Name changed for security purposes.
Pray for the Middle East:
- Lift up the Iranian people, who have long suffered. While many deeply long for freedom, dignity, and justice in their homeland, they do not wish to see it come at the cost of more innocent lives. Pray for change to come in a way that brings healing, not destruction, that God will open Iran up without war, through a movement of truth, peace, and transformation.
- Pray for peace across the region. As war drums beat louder, ask God to intervene and protect the vulnerable—children, families, minorities, the elderly—from the devastating consequences of military escalation. May leaders on all sides pursue wisdom and restraint, and may the Prince of Peace rule where fear and violence try to take hold.
- Cry out for spiritual breakthrough. Iranian Christians have been praying for years that their nation will open up to the gospel, that house churches will multiply freely, and that the Bible will no longer be banned. Pray for this suffering to not be in vain, that in these days of crisis, many will encounter Christ through dreams, visions, and the courageous witness of believers. May the Church in Iran not only survive but shine brighter— testimony to God’s faithfulness in the darkest times.
- Pray for imprisoned Iranian Christians, especially those who have been falsely accused of being connected to Israel simply because of their faith. Many are awaiting trial or serving long sentences under vague “national security” charges. Ask for God’s powerful protection over them, that judges’ hearts will be softened, legal cases will collapse, and justice will prevail. May their families be comforted, and may they feel the prayers of the global Church surrounding them.
- Pray also for our brothers and sisters in Israel who have been suffering because of the attacks on their country in this war on different fronts too.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in Palestine, (in Gaza and West Bank), for the losses of loved ones or friends, for those who lost their homes, for those in Gaza who live in constant fear since the war began in October 2023. Pray also that the retaliations of Iran won’t hit their areas, as they don’t have shelters to hide.
- The Christians in Iraq have witnessed many years of war and displacement. Every new war reminds them of what they went through in past decades. Pray for comfort and healing. Pray also that their country won’t be involved.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
