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In Iran, the Christian community is divided between constitutionally recognised and unrecognised Christians.
Unrecognised converts from Islam to Christianity face severe religious freedom violations, primarily from the government and, to a lesser extent, from society and their families. The government views these converts as a threat, believing they are influenced by Western countries to undermine Islam and the regime. Both leaders and ordinary members of Christian groups are often arrested, prosecuted and given long prison sentences for ‘crimes against national security’.
Recognised historical communities such as Armenian and Assyrian Christians are state-protected but treated as second-class citizens. They face many discriminatory legal provisions and are not allowed to worship in Persian or interact with Christian converts. Those who support converts can also face imprisonment.
Christians who followed Jesus out of Islam are most vulnerable to persecution and discrimination. Government control is highest in urban areas, while rural areas are less monitored. However, the anonymity of urban areas gives Christians more freedom to organise meetings and activities than in rural areas, where social control is higher.
"They were tearing us apart, one by one. Every time we heard the doorbell, we feared it was the police. We still can’t forget the day when the police raided our house church, took some of us away, and forced the rest to sign a paper confessing we would never meet or engage in Christian activities again."
Fatemeh*, a believer in Iran
The political landscape in Iran went through several significant upheavals during the World Watch List research period. There continues to be serious domestic unrest due to the deaths of several young women. Iran's ties with terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah led to ongoing tensions with Israel, including rocket attacks targeting Israel, and assassinations of Iranian, Hezbollah and Hamas leadership. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May 2024 and was replaced by a reformist candidate. Unfortunately, it's unlikely this will change much for Iran's Christian minority. Converts from Islam continue to live in the shadows, and the hardline rule of the Ayatollahs remains strong.
Open Doors raises prayer support for Christians in Iran.
Heavenly Father, guide Iran's new government according to Your will. We ask You to protect secret churches, granting believers both wisdom and courage. Please strengthen Christian prisoners and their families, ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing. Please bless the growing church in Iran, allowing it to multiply safely. In Your name we pray, Amen.
