In 1979, millions of Iranians lined the streets to cheer the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after 14 years of exile. What was heralded as a revolution of hope quickly hardened into an Islamic dictatorship under Shia Islamic clerics.
Today, the atmosphere could not be more different.
Millions are now marching against Ayatollah Khamenei’s regime, demanding freedom from the very system the revolution built.
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Wybo Nicolai, director of field operations for Frontlines International, noted, “The theocratic government has lost credibility across nearly every generation, but especially among the young. In cities and rural towns alike, Iranians are dreaming openly of a future after the collapse of the regime, though no one knows when or how such a change will come.”
The government is coming down hard on protesting mobs with excessive retaliatory violence and has shut down the internet and other forms of communication.
Several uprisings have shaken the Islamic Republic since 1979, but the regime has been able to stay in control, often through violent suppression, imprisonment and intimidation.
As a result of this, Nicolai pointed out, “Ordinary citizens have paid the price. Many have turned away from Islam entirely, and have become agnostic, atheist, followers of Bahai or turned to Jesus and have become followers of the Messiah. Khomeini once boasted that Iran would be a nation fully won for Islam, and that the world would follow; the exact opposite has happened. Iran is poised to be one of the most spiritually dynamic countries in the Middle East.”
The growth of the Iranian Church has not gone unnoticed.
Targeting Christians
Throughout 2025, many Christian believers were arrested for their faith, and their current whereabouts remain unknown. Today, once again, as protests surge and the regime is out to crush dissent, the Christian minority may face even harsher treatment.
Charles White, president of Frontlines International, noted that under the circumstances, “The risk of increased arrests, surveillance and targeting of Christians remains high.”
Repression and growth
Yet even under years of repression, the Church in Iran continues to grow.
Undercover house fellowships have multiplied, Bibles are shared in secret, dreams and visions are reported across the country, and testimonies of Christ’s grace continue to spread. Pastor Tat Stewart, a prominent missionary, author and leader in the Persian-speaking Christian world, has reached out to our team in the past few days and requested ongoing prayers.
“It is hard to know what is really going on in Iran. … Iran is no longer a Muslim country. Interest in Christianity has never been higher. Keep praying,” he said.
Crossroads
As Iran stands once again at a crossroads, join us at Frontlines as we pray not only for freedom of religion, but for the spiritual renewal already underway.
“May God strengthen the Iranian Church in these critical days,” Frontlines International said. “May His outpouring of the Holy Spirit continue and expand in 2026. May even more Iranians discover that Jesus is truly the Son of God, and may those already following Him receive courage, comfort and endurance from the Spirit.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Frontlines International. Used with permission.
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