WORLD WATCH LIST

Iran

#10

Converts are considered threats and face severe religious freedom violations.

“Sometimes I feel so weak, but then I remember that people all over the world are praying for me, and this gives me strength to keep trusting the Lord.”

— Somayeh*
*Name changed for security purposes

Country
Profile

Region: Middle East
Sources of persecution: Islamic Oppression,
Dictatorial paranoia
Population: 90,411,000
Christian population: 800,000
Religions: Islam
Leader: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Score: 87

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What’s Life Like For Christians?

Christians in Iran are heavily and systemically repressed. Authorities seek to root out what they see as a threat from the West to their Islamic rule.

Converts to Christianity are most in the firing line. House churches are commonly raided, often followed by arrests, interrogations, pressure to inform on other believers, and long-term imprisonment. Conditions in prison are dire, and bail sums can be extortionately high, financially crippling families. Release from prison comes with strict conditions such as exile to another part of Iran or self-censorship. Converts can also face hostility from family and community. Each year, thousands flee Iran to escape persecution.

Parliament also rushed through a new espionage bill that introduces the death penalty under broad definitions, granting the government sweeping powers to punish perceived dissent. Following the Iran-Israel war, the government now publicly brands converts as spies and collaborators.

Despite being recognised by the state, the historical Armenian and Assyrian Christian communities are treated as second-class citizens, facing discrimination in employment, and marriage and inheritance laws. Foreign Christians encounter scrutiny, with some churches forced to close after converts attended.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

Converts face the biggest dangers. While government surveillance is greatest in urban areas, believers in cities take advantage of greater anonymity that enables them to gather with less scrutiny from their community. Conversely, while believers in rural areas experience less direct monitoring from the authorities, the scrutiny they face from locals is stronger. The immense pressure means that many converts flee Iran, becoming separated from their loved ones, which leaves families divided and vulnerable.

Pray for Iran

– For the protection of Iranian Christians receiving harsh treatment from authorities.

– For believers who risk everything to gather and worship in secret.

– For church leaders falsely imprisoned. Ask God for their release and comfort.

What Does Open Doors Do To Help?

Open Doors’ partners work in neighbouring countries to help Iranian believers with training, discipleship, trauma care, and online ministry. Open Doors also raises prayer support for Christians in Iran.