Christian Detained on Christmas Eve

Esmaeil Narimanpour
Esmaeil Narimanpour
Photo: Article 18

Esmaeil Narimanpour* is an Iranian believer who has faced repeated detentions because of his faith in Christ. In April 2021, he was detained along with three others and tortured by the authorities. Two days later, due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, these four Christians were released on the condition that they would agree to return to custody when summoned (read more). Although they were eventually cleared of any criminal offence in November of that same year, they were ordered to take "re-education" classes about Islam.

On Christmas Eve of 2023, Esmaeil was again apprehended by security forces. During this most recent arrest, his home in Dezful was thoroughly searched, and Christian books were confiscated, even though no warrant had been issued. The next day, Esmaeil was allowed to make a short phone call to his family. While conversing with his loved ones, Esmaeil explained that he was being held in Ahvaz, a city located 150 kilometres south of Dezful. When his wife and brother attempted to follow up on the case, they ended up being detained and questioned for several hours as well. At least three other Christians were also reportedly arrested around Christmas, but no details can be released at this time.

Today, numerous Iranian Christians remain in prison because of their faith, and often they are being detained without any conviction. Such is the case for Hakop Gochumyan, who has been in Evin Prison for five months while awaiting trial. Although his hearing was scheduled for January 7th, no details have yet been announced regarding the outcome. For more information on Christian persecution in Iran, including previously posted reports and podcasts, go to our country report. (*Note: This is the spelling variation more commonly used for the transliteration of Esmaeil's name.)

Prayerfully remember Esmaeil, Hakop, and the many other Iranian followers of Jesus who are presently detained because their personal beliefs have been based on the teachings of Christianity. Ask the Lord to work by His Holy Spirit in and through the court system so that these Christians will be released and protected from further persecution by the authorities. In the meanwhile, may these believers receive many wonderful opportunities to reach out to those around them with the Gospel message of God's salvation through Christ.

  • Current Ministry Fund

    By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    87,590,873 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

    Religion (%)
    Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

    Leader
    Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

    Government type
    Theocratic republic

    Legal system
    Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Iran

    As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.

Iran News

  • Retrial Denied for Imprisoned Believer
    Mehran
    Mehran Shamloui
    Photo: Article 18

    Iran's Supreme Court has recently rejected the application for a retrial that was submitted on behalf of Mehran Shamloui, a Christian believer who is currently serving a ten-year prison sentence for his participation in house church activities. Recipients of previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports may recall that Mehran had fled to Türkiye in search of refuge. While there, the accused Iranian was apprehended and forced to return to Iran, where he had subsequently been arrested. (The initially posted report regarding Mehran's arrest may be reviewed here.)

  • Over 50 Arrested Christians Accused of Espionage
    A map of Iran has several labels, all showing where Christians were arrested since June 24, 2025.
    A map of Iran, marking the arrests
    of Christians since June 24, 2025. 
    (Click on the image for a larger view.)
    Photo: Article18

    Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) recently reported that over 50 Christians have been arrested since the end of the recent conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025. The country's intelligence agency labelled the detained believers as "Mossad mercenaries," claiming that they had been trained by churches abroad and were now operating "under the guise of the Zionist Christian evangelization movement."

  • Convicted Christian Deported and Arrested
    Mehran
    Mehran Shamloui
    Photo: Article 18

    On March 8th, Mehran Shamloui was one of three Christians convicted in Iran for "propaganda" and membership in an alleged "opposition group." He was sentenced to more than ten years in prison. (For more details, see this report.)

  • Laleh Saati Receives Conditional Release
    A smiling Laleh is outside, and the sun is shining on her face. A tree is in the background.
    Laleh Saati
    Photo: Article18

    Laleh Saati is a Christian convert and former asylum-seeker who was incarcerated in February 2024 and sentenced to two years in prison. (For more information on the imprisonment of this 46-year-old Iranian follower of Jesus, visit this page.) Throughout Laleh's time in custody, concerns have been raised about her physical health and psychological well-being. Most recently, it was reported that the Christian woman was denied needed medical treatment for a hand injury that had occurred as a result of a fall.