Iran’s Escalating Persecution of Christians: A 2025 Report
As the world continues to monitor the political turbulence in Iran, a new report has shed light on the alarming rise in the persecution of Christians within the Islamic Republic. The report, titled Scapegoats: Rights Violations Against Christians in Iran, released by advocacy group Article 18 in collaboration with Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, and Middle East Concern, paints a grim picture of intensified arrests, harsher sentences, and worsening treatment of Christian detainees in 2025.
A Year of Escalating Persecution
The report identifies Iran’s “12-day war” in June 2025 as a turning point that exacerbated the targeting of religious minorities, particularly Christians. The conflict, which took place from June 13 to June 24, left the nation in a state of turmoil. In the weeks following the ceasefire, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) launched a widespread crackdown, arresting over 50 Christians in at least 19 cities across the country. These individuals were accused of participating in “anti-security” activities, with state media labeling them as “Mossad mercenaries” trained by churches in the United States and Israel.
The government’s narrative portrays Christians as agents of foreign influence, further criminalizing their faith and activities. State media even aired forced confessions of arrested Christians, who were accused of traveling abroad for religious instruction under the guise of the “Zionist Christian evangelization movement.”
A Sharp Rise in Arrests and Sentences
The numbers alone tell a harrowing story. In 2025, 254 Christians were arrested on charges related to their faith, nearly double the 139 arrests recorded in 2024. Even more concerning is the severity of the sentences handed down. Collectively, Christians received over 280 years of prison sentences in 2025, a significant increase compared to the previous year. In some cases, individuals were sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for their religious beliefs and activities.
The Iranian regime has increasingly utilized Article 500 of its penal code, which was amended in 2021 to criminalize “propaganda contrary to the holy religion of Islam,” to target Christians. In 90% of the cases against Christians in 2025, this law was cited as the basis for prosecution.
Inhumane Treatment in Prisons
The treatment of Christian prisoners has also worsened significantly. The report details numerous cases of abuse, including psychological torture, denial of medical care, and physical mistreatment. One Christian detainee, who received a second 10-year sentence in 2025, was barred from attending his mother’s funeral. Another Christian convert suffered a stroke while in solitary confinement.
Women have not been spared from this cruelty. A female Christian prisoner fractured her spine after falling from her prison bunk bed. Surgery was only performed after fellow inmates protested, but she later developed an infection due to premature discharge from the hospital. Another female detainee, upon release after serving 15 years, was described as being in a “psychologically unstable state” after enduring weeks in a MOIS-controlled prison wing.
Christians Targeted Amid Broader Unrest
The persecution of Christians in Iran is unfolding against a backdrop of widespread civil unrest. In the final weeks of 2025, protests erupted across the country over economic hardships, inflation, and the oppressive policies of the Islamic regime. Thousands took to the streets, and many were arrested or killed.
While estimates vary, Article 18 reported that at least 19 Christians were killed during these protests, with some organizations citing as many as 50. This highlights the dual vulnerability of Christians in Iran—they are not only targeted for their faith but also disproportionately affected by the broader political and social upheaval.
A Legacy of Persecution
The report’s release on February 19, 2026, was a poignant reminder of the long history of Christian persecution in Iran. It marked the 46th anniversary of the murder of the Rev. Arastoo Sayyah, the first Christian known to have been killed for his faith in the early years of the Islamic Republic. Sayyah was murdered in 1979, just days after the Islamic Revolution, setting a precedent for the repression of religious minorities that continues to this day.
Iran’s ranking as the 10th most dangerous country for Christians on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List underscores the severity of the situation. The report from Article 18 and its partners calls for global attention and action, emphasizing the need for leaders who will prioritize the rights and welfare of all citizens rather than perpetuating repression.
The plight of Christians in Iran is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in authoritarian regimes. Advocacy groups are urging the international community to take action, whether through diplomatic pressure, public awareness campaigns, or direct support for persecuted Christians.
For those looking to help, organizations like Article 18, Open Doors, and Christian Solidarity Worldwide offer resources and opportunities to get involved. Morning Star News, which has been at the forefront of reporting on Christian persecution, also provides avenues for support and collaboration.
As the world watches the unfolding events in Iran, the resilience of its Christian community serves as a testament to faith under fire. Despite the challenges, these believers continue to stand firm, offering a beacon of hope and courage in the face of relentless adversity.
Sources:
- Morning Star News: Iran Adds Blame for Political Woes to Persecution of Christians ^^
- Open Doors: 2026 World Watch List
- Article 18 Annual Report: Scapegoats: Rights Violations Against Christians in Iran