Pastor Saeed Transferred From Solitary Confinement


Photo: ACLJ

Pastor Saeed Abedini, who was sentenced to eight years in prison in January for "actions against the national security of Iran," has just been transferred from solitary confinement back to a cell on the regular ward. The American-Iranian husband and father of two young children had recently participated in a peaceful courtyard protest over the mistreatment of inmates in Evin Prison where he is currently being held. The protest reportedly angered prison officials, who subsequently put Pastor Saeed and nine other prisoners in solitary confinement. He had also signed a petition which criticized the lack of medical care for prisoners and the mistreatment of their families during visits.

Despite the good news of his transfer, there is still concern over Pastor Saeed’s health. He is reportedly suffering severe internal bleeding as a result of receiving regular beatings in prison, and there are concerns that his kidneys may not be functioning properly. Unfortunately, he has been refused medical treatment by prison authorities.

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear" (Isaiah 59:1). While we can be assured that God is hearing our prayers on behalf of Pastor Saeed, like the Biblical story of the persistent widow who kept petitioning the judge, let us continue upholding this faithful pastor and other fellow believers who are presently incarcerated in Evin Prison. May God protect and strengthen them spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally so they will serve as effective witnesses of His power during their incarceration. As He is working on behalf of their eventual release, pray that He will also work mightily in the hearts of all who are affiliated with this prison, including the unsaved officials and prisoners.

  • 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

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    87,590,873 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

    Religion (%)
    Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

    Leader
    Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

    Government type
    Theocratic republic

    Legal system
    Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

    Source: 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.

Iran News

  • Retrial Denied for Imprisoned Believer
    Mehran
    Mehran Shamloui
    Photo: Article 18

    Iran's Supreme Court has recently rejected the application for a retrial that was submitted on behalf of Mehran Shamloui, a Christian believer who is currently serving a ten-year prison sentence for his participation in house church activities. Recipients of previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports may recall that Mehran had fled to Türkiye in search of refuge. While there, the accused Iranian was apprehended and forced to return to Iran, where he had subsequently been arrested. (The initially posted report regarding Mehran's arrest may be reviewed here.)

  • Over 50 Arrested Christians Accused of Espionage
    A map of Iran has several labels, all showing where Christians were arrested since June 24, 2025.
    A map of Iran, marking the arrests
    of Christians since June 24, 2025. 
    (Click on the image for a larger view.)
    Photo: Article18

    Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) recently reported that over 50 Christians have been arrested since the end of the recent conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025. The country's intelligence agency labelled the detained believers as "Mossad mercenaries," claiming that they had been trained by churches abroad and were now operating "under the guise of the Zionist Christian evangelization movement."

  • Convicted Christian Deported and Arrested
    Mehran
    Mehran Shamloui
    Photo: Article 18

    On March 8th, Mehran Shamloui was one of three Christians convicted in Iran for "propaganda" and membership in an alleged "opposition group." He was sentenced to more than ten years in prison. (For more details, see this report.)

  • Laleh Saati Receives Conditional Release
    A smiling Laleh is outside, and the sun is shining on her face. A tree is in the background.
    Laleh Saati
    Photo: Article18

    Laleh Saati is a Christian convert and former asylum-seeker who was incarcerated in February 2024 and sentenced to two years in prison. (For more information on the imprisonment of this 46-year-old Iranian follower of Jesus, visit this page.) Throughout Laleh's time in custody, concerns have been raised about her physical health and psychological well-being. Most recently, it was reported that the Christian woman was denied needed medical treatment for a hand injury that had occurred as a result of a fall.