In recent months, Iran has been shaken by war, bombings, and rising nationalism. Fear and uncertainty have become part of daily life. For Iran’s Christian community—already living under surveillance and pressure—the conflict has intensified existing dangers.

Yet amid the chaos, faith is enduring.

As violence spreads and instability grows, Iranian believers are holding fast to Christ, praying for protection, and trusting God to use this season of upheaval to draw hearts toward Him.

When War Reaches the Underground Church

Missiles lighting the skies over Tehran and Isfahan did not spare civilians. Among those affected were members of Iran’s underground church. Several Christian families lost their homes in the bombings, leaving them displaced while still navigating the risks of following Jesus in a hostile environment.

A prayer update shared through networks connected to NEO US reflected the reality on the ground:

“Everyone is safe physically, though some families have lost their homes during the bombings. Please pray for continued protection and for God’s provision for believers inside Iran.”

One Iranian father, now staying with relatives after losing his home, said simply, “We have nothing left, but we still have Jesus.” His children continue to join prayer gatherings—an image repeated across the country as families cling to faith amid loss.

Rising Nationalism, Growing Pressure

The conflict has fueled stronger expressions of religious nationalism, promoted by the government as a sign of loyalty. For Christians, this has increased suspicion and hostility. Believers are often accused of following a “foreign religion” and betraying their nation.

State-controlled narratives have portrayed Christians as threats to society, making wartime conditions especially dangerous. At the same time, economic hardship, corruption, and broken promises have left many Iranians quietly questioning whether political religion offers real hope—and searching for something deeper.

The Holy Spirit at Work in Crisis

Christian leaders inside Iran are asking for prayer—not only for safety, but for a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit. Their concern is clear: that uncertainty would not drive people toward despair, but toward the true peace found in Christ.

Stories emerging from Iran suggest spiritual hunger is growing. Many report encounters with Jesus through dreams, Scripture, and moments of profound loss.

In Isfahan, a man grieving the death of his brother in the fighting shared that he dreamed of Jesus saying, “I am with you always.” The next day, he reached out to a Christian he once mocked, asking to learn more about this Jesus who met him in his grief.

A Region Under Pressure, a Church United

Iran’s turmoil is part of a wider regional crisis. A recent suicide bombing at an Orthodox church in Damascus—previously used for training by NEO teams—killed dozens and sent shockwaves through Christian communities across the Middle East. For Iranian believers, it was a stark reminder that their suffering is shared, strengthening resolve to worship and persevere despite the risks.

As one Iranian pastor said, “If others can worship under those conditions, so can we.”

Faith That Endures

Despite war, displacement, and rising persecution, Iranian Christians are not retreating. Anchored in Scripture and sustained by community, they continue to worship, pray, and trust God’s purposes.

Nadim Costa of NEO US reflects, “The face of the region—and the world—is changing.” For believers in Iran, that change is not only political. It is spiritual.

As one pastor shared:

“We cannot stop the war. We cannot stop the persecution. But we can continue to worship. And in worship, we find our freedom.”

In the midst of chaos, the faith of Iran’s Christians remains unshaken—bearing witness that even in the darkest seasons, hope in Christ endures.