Pray for Iran

Long before this land became the Islamic Republic of Iran, history knew it as a different empire, where ancient kings like Cyrus the Great, Darius, and Xerxes shaped the world from their thrones. Known as Persia until 1935, the nation’s culture and language (Farsi) have survived centuries of conquest. While neighboring states are mostly Arab, most of Iran’s people are ethnically Persian. Iran stretches from snow-covered mountains to the Lut Desert, where ancient Persians created windcatchers and mud-brick ice houses to survive summer heat that rises above 50°C (122°F). Bordering seven nations with access to the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf, Iran is a major regional power in the Middle East and holds strategic influence over the Strait of Hormuz oil routes. Today, an Islamic republic governs under the absolute authority of its Supreme Leader. Ongoing tensions with regional rivals, especially Israel, keep the nation on high alert.

Since the 1979 revolution ended its monarchy, Iran has experienced tighter government control and growing isolation from much of the world. The Supreme Leader commands the military, judiciary, and media, while state and military organizations run much of the economy. International sanctions, oil dependence, and corruption have led to inflation, a weak currency, and unemployment. Public frustration over economic hardship and strict rule has sparked widespread protests, which authorities have met with arrests, internet restrictions, and deadly force. Iran carries out more executions each year than almost any other country.

Leaving Islam for Christianity is treated as an act of treason against the state. Converts risk death, usually at the hands of their own families, while house church leaders face severe prison sentences on charges of “acting against national security” or illegal assembly. While historical minority religions are recognized (Jews, Armenian Christians, and Zoroastrians), Farsi-language services and evangelism are illegal. Bibles must be smuggled in. Yet, as people grow frustrated with the oppressive regime, many are looking for a way out of Islam. As they seek spiritual truth, thousands report seeing Jesus in a dream or vision before ever meeting a Christian or opening a Bible. Sparked by these divine encounters, satellite broadcasts and digital resources are driving a massive spiritual awakening. As a result, Iran has one of the world’s fastest-growing churches!