New details have emerged regarding the impact of ongoing nationwide protests in Iran. In recent days, at least seven Iranian-Armenian Christians have been confirmed among those killed by security forces during the protests.
One has been publicly identified as Ejmin Masihi. Reliable sources have confirmed the death of six other Christians. At least three have been injured, and one Christian convert is known to be among the thousands arrested during mass detentions across the country. This is deeply concerning. Converts are particularly vulnerable in detention and often face harsher treatment because of their faith.
These developments show that both recognised Christian communities (Armenians and Assyrians) and unrecognised communities (Christian converts) are now directly paying with their lives and freedom. Iranian Christians are not on the margins of this crisis; they are among those standing, suffering, and dying alongside their fellow citizens.
The true scale of killings remains unclear. The ongoing internet blackout has made verification extremely difficult. However, the violence has reached a level many are now describing as a mass killing of civilians. For the Christian community in Iran, this moment is marked by deep grief and urgent prayer—for justice, protection, and a future where the ask for basic human rights is no longer met with bullets or prison cells.
FROM PROTESTS TO PERSECUTION: A RECAP
The regime’s response to nationwide protests that began on 28 December 2025 was swift and brutal with internet shutdowns and live fire on protesters leading to confirmed deaths. Iranian forces confiscated Starlink dishes in a five-day internet and media blackout.
At the time, estimated killings had risen by 2,000 (Reuters) and totalled12,000 people across the country (according to Iran International).
This is the largest killing in Iran’s contemporary history. But, it’s also the most hopeful Iranians have been of seeing positive change since protests in 2019. An Iranian Christian shares: “Our beloved Iran cries out for justice, dignity, and a future where every citizen, including Christians, can live in peace and opportunity, free from fear and poverty. May the bravery of our people be the seed of a renewed and united homeland.”
Pray for Iran
- Pray for the families of those killed, that God will surround them with comfort them in their mourning.
- Pray for those injured, both physically and psychologically. Ask God for their healing and emotional restoration.
- Pray that truth will come to light despite the blackout and that those responsible for the killing of civilians will be held accountable.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
