Believer Released Despite Ongoing Arrests of Church Leaders

In April 2024, Amir-Ali Minaei was arrested by Iranian authorities and sentenced to 43 months in prison for alleged "propaganda activities against the regime through establishing a house church." The Christian man's sentence was later reduced to 30 months. During his imprisonment, however, he endured physical abuse and suffered from serious heart-related health issues. (View our previously published report.)

In January 2025, Amir-Ali applied for a conditional release because of his declining health. His request was denied, reportedly due to a perceived lack of "cooperation" with intelligence agents. It was recently announced that the believer was thankfully granted early release on April 29th as part of an annual prisoner amnesty.

While Amir-Ali's friends and family members are rejoicing over his release, concerns remain for other followers of Jesus in Iran. On May 5th, authorities announced the arrests of three Christian leaders in the central province of Yazd. The prosecutor claimed that these believers had converted a "significant number" of people to what was described as "Zionist Christianity." The arrested Christians have also been accused of desecrating copies of the Quran, insulting Islamic individuals and holy sites, as well as praying for the victory of the "Zionist regime" amid Iran's ongoing war. For further reports concerning the challenges facing persecuted Christians in this troubled Middle Eastern nation, visit our country profile.

• Praise God for Amir-Ali's early release! Pray that the Lord will restore this believer's health, renew his strength, and fill his heart with peace and encouragement in the days ahead.
• Also prayerfully lift up the three recently arrested Christian leaders, as well as the many others who are presently imprisoned in Iran because of their faith, asking that they would be strengthened by God's abiding presence while awaiting release; and, in the interim, greatly sustained by their unshakeable hope in Him.
• Pray for the nation of Iran as a whole, in hopes that God's peace will prevail amid the ongoing tensions, and that His people would be protected, emboldened and steadfast as they continue to bear witness to His truth.