The nationwide protests that began on 28 December 2025 in Iran are a familiar yet heartbreaking scenes that have been witnessed earlier. Large demonstrations against the Ayatollahs’ regime have taken place in Iran before, but they were quickly quashed with brute force and countless arrests. This time the people’s uprising is taking place on a much larger scale. What is happening on Iran’s streets is not merely the result of economic pressures and livelihood challenges; however, it’s a reflection of a far deeper crisis. Will this be a turning point for the country?
Targeted shooting
Again, the regime’s response has been swift and brutal; internet shutdowns and live fire on protesters leading to confirmed deaths. Iranian forces are confiscating Starlink dishes amid a total internet and media blockade in the country for its 90 million people. Some international phone services began sporadically working again earlier on this week, the only way people can communicate with the outside world.
Estimates of the number of deaths vary, but it is clear that it must be in the thousands of victims. According to the website Iran International over 12,000 people across the country are killed. Of course, with the communications blockade and without direct access to information, confirming final figures requires detailed documentation. However, experience in recent years shows that security institutions have avoided announcing accurate figures for those killed, mainly by the IRGC and Basij forces.
There is currently a lot of international attention on Iran, but it is unclear what statements about support and that “help is on the way” by US President Trump, among others, exactly mean for the people of Iran.
Courageous people
This is the largest killing in Iran’s contemporary history; however, this is also the most hopeful protest since 2019 that Iranians will see a change the nation is after. An Iranian Christian shares: “Our beloved Iran cries out for justice, dignity, and a future where every citizen including Christians can live in peace and opportunity, free from fear and poverty. May the bravery of our people be the seed of a renewed and united homeland.”
Although this is not a direct attack on Christians inside the country, Iranian Christians are part of this ongoing chaos. We ask you to continue praying for Iranians in these times of turmoil, interceding for a better future. One filled with dignity, peace, and religious freedom.
Pray for the safety and well-being of the people of Iran. Pray for an end to the violence and the loss of life. Pray that families are protected, and that basic human rights are upheld for all Iranians.
Pray for unity and hope among the Iranian people. Pray that citizens, across ethnic, social, and religious lines find solidarity and hope. May the efforts toward justice and national renewal take root in hearts and communities.
Iran currently ranks 10th on the World Watch List.
