Source: www.opendoorsus.org
Date: June 18, 2026
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Though the war in Iran might be making the news, stories from the underground church are far less visible—but no less important. Open Doors partners spoke with several Iranian Christians who told us about life in recent months, from brutal crackdowns before the war to increased surveillance over the last several months. I invite you to read the stories of Iranian Christians like Hoda*, who was a house church network leader in Iran. She was arrested shortly after a Christmas celebration held in an underground church. Following her arrest, she was taken to one of the country’s most notorious prisons where she served a long sentence. “Those days were some of the hardest moments of my life,” she remembers. “I was placed in solitary confinement ... The authorities had gathered many accusations and documents against me, and the pressure was intense. At times, I truly believed that it could be the end of my life.” The war in Iran and the unrest caused by it only made things more difficult. Iranian prisoners have reported deteriorating conditions due to the bombings. In fact, during the ceasefire period that has characterized the past few weeks, pressure on Iran’s underground Christian community has intensified. But God remains faithful. And His people have stories to tell. |
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While she was in prison, Hoda discovered that God is not only with us in moments of victory; He is also with us in prison cells, in tears, in uncertainty and in suffering. “The presence of God became real to me in a way I had never experienced before,” she says. “When everything around me was shaking, He remained faithful and unshaken.” When we pray with God’s people in Iran, we can remind them they aren’t alone—even when they feel isolated, oppressed and uncertain because of war and oppression. Will you take a moment now to pray with us for your brothers and sisters as they follow Jesus in Iran and thank Him for His faithfulness? |
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In Christ, |
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Ryan Brown CEO, Open Doors US |
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*Name changed for security reasons |