Upholding and understanding God's purposes for Iran

What follows is a message of deep urgency as history unfolds in Iran. As nationwide protests for freedom continued—with death toll reports climbing from the hundreds into the thousands—the Iranian regime shut down the internet, cutting off an entire nation from the outside world. Violence escalated. Families are grieving.

This is a critical moment for the global Church.

International Christian Concern (ICC) is actively and prayerfully preparing to support Iran’s underground believers as the situation deteriorates further or the Islamic regime collapses. These believers worship in secret, share the gospel at great personal risk, and faithfully follow Christ despite persecution.

With our trusted and carefully vetted partners on the ground and our regional team, we are preparing to respond quickly with:

• Emergency humanitarian aid
• Discipleship resources
• Bibles for new and growing believers

The Church in Iran is one of the fastest-growing in the world.

The Church in Iran is one of the fastest-growing in the world. If a window opens, believers will have an unprecedented opportunity to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of a nation crying out for both! ICC will be there to equip the Iranian Christians to do just that.

But we must be ready before that door opens.

We ask that you, faithful brothers and sisters, intercede earnestly for Iran.

Below are prayer points shared by ICC Board Member Dr. Nathan Rostampour, who has issued an urgent plea to the global Church.

Please pray for:

• An immediate end to the violence and the killing of innocent people.
• Truth to be exposed and for justice and accountability to prevail.
• Comfort for grieving families and healing for the wounded and traumatized.
• Restored communication and the end of information blackouts.
• The Church in Iran to be strengthened, unified, fearless, and filled with hope.

When the world cannot see, injustice multiplies.

Dr. Rostampour reminds us that when the world cannot see, injustice multiplies—and when voices are silenced, lives are lost.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves

Please discuss Iran with your family, friends, and churches. Share what’s happening on social media to raise awareness. And call on leaders and media outlets to report the truth. We cannot let our brothers and sisters suffer in silence (Proverbs 31:8). 

May the Lord hear the cries of his people, establish his purposes in Iran, and shine his light into the darkness. Thank you for standing with the Body of Christ in Iran. Iranian believers continue to pray, serve, and follow Jesus from within their tumultuous country.

Finding hope in scripture

We need to go deeper into the biblical context.

As events unfold and unrest escalates in the nation with more violence and uncertainty, many believers are asking where God is at work—and how the Church should pray in moments like this. To understand the situation better, we need to go deeper into the biblical context for the story unfolding in Iran. Scripture gives us profound hope for this land.  

In the book of Jeremiah, God speaks of Elam—an ancient region that corresponds to modern-day Iran—declaring: 

“I will set My throne in Elam, and destroy her king and officials,”

declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 49:38)