Iran: Presidential Election Raises Concerns for Christians
Iran: Presidential Election Raises Concerns for Christians
Will the persecution of Christians intensify in Iran following the election of hardliner Ebrahim Raisi as the Islamic Republic’s new president? The 2021 election was described by various news sources as being fraudulent because many reformers and moderates were barred from standing for election. Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries joins Greg Musselman to discuss the implications of Iran’s new presidential leadership, and what it could mean for the followers of Jesus in that country. Dr. Hormoz also addresses the amazing growth of the church in the Islamic Republic and the persecution of Christians.
Date: July 7, 2021
Length 28:30
Show notes
Subscribe to the Closer to the Fire podcast.
Iran Alive Ministries
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Purchase of a copy of Iran’s Great Awakening.
Dr. Hormoz Shariat on 100 Huntley Street
- Current Ministry Fund
By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.
Project Fund: Underground Church
- Country Information
Population
87,590,873 (2023 est.)Ethnicity
Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribesReligion (%)
Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei (2026)Government type
Theocratic republicLegal system
Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic lawSource: CIA World Factbook
- Pray for Iran
As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.
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Iran News
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Urgent Prayer Needed for Middle East
Overlooking Tehran.
Photo: Shutterstock / PedramRostamian_shrOn February 28th, the United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran. The strike resulted in hundreds of casualties, including the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of other government officials.
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Christian Convert Re-Arrested
Ghazal Marzban
Photo: Article18In January 2025, 41-year-old Ghazal Marzban was detained in Tehran's Evin Prison after being sentenced to six months' imprisonment and 74 lashes. The charges against her included "propaganda against the regime" and "appearing in public without a hijab." Ghazal, a Christian convert from Islam, had initially been arrested in November 2024 while participating in protests against government oppression. She was released from prison in 2025 after serving two months of her initially sentenced term.
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Aida Released on Bail Pending Appeal
Aida Najaflou
Photo: Article18Aida Najaflou was arrested in February 2025 for "acting against the Islamic Republic." Despite suffering from multiple health issues, including a spinal fracture she sustained after a fall in late October, the 44-year-old Christian woman received limited medical care. Adding to her adversities, she was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison this past November. (More information on Aida's case can be accessed at VOMCanada.com/tagged-items/aida-najaflou.htm.)
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Iran - Year in Review
Joseph Shahbazian
Photo: Article18
As an Islamic theocracy, Iran is governed by strict Muslim laws. Even though Christianity is generally recognized and tolerated for those from traditional Armenian and Assyrian churches, any conversion from Islam to Christianity is strictly prohibited. Even believers from historic Christian communities have faced charges, as in the case of Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, an Armenian believer.
