On 16 September 2022, Mahsa Amini died as a result of police violence because she was not wearing the correct head covering. This sparked a series of protests which, according to Open Doors, revealed widespread human rights abuses and a lack of religious freedom. Even now, three years after the start of what can be termed a new movement, the situation for women, dissidents, and Christians remains concerning. The recent twelve-day war between Iran and Israel has led to an escalation in oppression by the Iranian government.
Women, life, freedom!
The 22-year-old Amini suffered a stroke after the religious police beat her during her arrest. Her death sparked protests across Iran, with ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ serving as the rallying cry. The Iranian government violently suppressed the protests. But they could not prevent them from turning into a broad-based movement. This movement challenged the authoritarian regime and decades of discrimination against women.
The protest was led by women. They took to the streets without headscarves and used social media to share their protest with the world. By doing so, they risked arrest, exile, and even death. Marjan, a Christian leader from Iran, explains: “The courage of the younger generation is admirable. Many Christian youth also stepped forward. As the older generation, we had our concerns about mixing Christianity with political statements. We could warn them and pray for them, but we couldn’t stop them.”
So many women in Iran are wounded, rejected and confused about their identity and who God is
The Iranian church adopted a distinctive stance during this renewal movement. Many Christians prayed and fasted persistently for justice and protection. Some church leaders took care of a large number of families whose daughter or son had been imprisoned. Marjan said, “They offered pastoral care to parents and secretly provided food to prisoners and their families.” Others took in injured protesters. This allowed the church to express its desire for freedom and show Jesus’ love in a positive way.
In search of identity
In their quest for justice and dignity for women, many Iranians turn to the Christian faith. Roya, who comes from a strict Islamic background and was severely persecuted after her conversion, is one of the women who shares the gospel and studies the Bible with new believers. She knows how many women are trapped under the authority of their fathers, brothers or husbands and how many suffer in silence. Roya says, ” Since the protests began, for the first time we are no longer just surviving; we are resisting.”
At the same time, another shift is taking place. Following the protests, the arrests, the torture and the shedding of so much young blood, many began to question their beliefs. “People said, ‘If this is what Islam is, then I don’t want it,’” says Roya. Some abandoned religion altogether, while others embarked on a quest for a new truth.
“So many women in Iran are wounded, rejected and confused about their identity and who God is,” explains Roya. “They need to know that they are loved. Not because they are perfect, but because God made them and sees them. Their identity and freedom must come from Him, not from culture, religion or even the protests.” This is why Roya asks for prayer: “Pray that Iranian women will learn their worth. Pray that they will find the Lord Jesus, who uses His power to heal, not to oppress.”
New wave of persecution
The persecution of Christians has increased alarmingly in recent months. The twelve-day war between Iran and Israel, which saw both countries launch missile attacks on each other from 13 to 24 June 2025, was the beginning of the increased persecution. Since the ceasefire, at least 54 Christians have been arrested in 21 cities. This represents a significant increase compared to the 40 arrests that occurred in the previous six months. Those arrested are being held in detention without clear charges and in unknown locations. Their families are left behind in fear and uncertainty.
Just pray for me”
Protestant Christians are accused of siding with the ‘Zionists’ and acting as enemies of the state on public platforms. They are portrayed as traitors who support attacks on Iran. This narrative is used to generate hostility towards Christians and to justify their persecution.
Roya recounts how the authorities arrested one of the women believers she disciples. She has not heard from this young Christian woman for weeks. Although she is probably feeling lonely or fearful, she sounded confident when she last spoke to Roya. “‘God has always made a way for me and protected me,’ she said. ‘Just pray for me. I know that when I can contact you again, I will testify to His wonderful work.’ We entrust her to God’s care,” Roya shares.
Iran ranks 9th on the World Watch List (‘Ranglijst Christenvervolging’ in Dutch).
Pray for Iran
- Please pray for every girl in Iran that she will be treated as a precious person and given the freedom to learn and grow.
- Pray that Iranian women of all ages discover their true identity in Jesus Christ and do not depend on laws or local cultures.
- Pray for rejected and abandoned women who are struggling with the pain of being rejected by their families and communities. Many of them are exploited, struggle with addiction, are forced to sell their bodies or even their children to survive.
- Pray for women trapped in unwanted or forced marriages. Pray for girls who are forced into adult roles at too young an age.
- Ask for comfort for parents who have lost a child after the protests. Pray also that children who are still imprisoned or in exile may quickly return home to their parents.
- Pray for the Iranian government to change their oppressive laws and attitudes towards women. Ask for an end to the persecution of Christians.
- Pray for a change in Iranian culture: from strict authorities to loving fathers. Pray for soft hearts for fathers and brothers who still strictly guard their daughters and sisters.
- Pray for every Christian man or woman who is currently unjustly imprisoned or under surveillance. Thank God that He is present everywhere, even in prison cells.
* Aliases
