and Lida Shahbazian, and Aida Najaflou.
Photo: Article18
In December 2025, it was announced that five Iranian Christians had received lengthy prison sentences. Although the charges against them officially involved "collusion" and "propaganda," they were imprisoned merely for engaging in typical Christian activities, such as gathering for worship, prayer, and the observance of communion and baptismal ceremonies. (Further details on the believers' convictions are available at this report. For security reasons, one of the accused believers' names was withheld from that initial report.)
Although the convicted Christians appealed their sentences, the court announced on June 22nd that the original verdicts would continue to stand. This decision was made without any hearings or opportunities for the accused believers to present their cases.
- As these believers presently face the possibility of lengthy prison sentences, pray that they will deeply sense God's comforting presence each day, giving them renewed strength, peace and unwavering hope through the indwelling work of His Holy Spirit.
- May the Lord continue to comfort, encourage and sustain the family members and friends of these imprisoned Christians, reminding them of His great faithfulness and attentive loving care as well.
- In general, please prayerfully uphold all followers of Christ throughout Iran who are encountering some form of persecution for their faith. May they too receive the strength, encouragement and empowerment to faithfully share the love of Jesus with those around them, so that many more hearts will readily experience His salvation and the resulting spiritual transformation only He can provide.
