Iran Intensifies Crackdown on Underground Church Leaders and Converts
Based on 2 sources Updated 2 weeks ago
Iran Alive Ministries, a Texas-based organization, reports that at least 33 Christian ministers have been killed and 131 others arrested in Iran during recent months. According to ministry founder Hormoz Shariat, 14 of those detained remain in prison, with some facing potential death sentences, while many others remain unaccounted for. These actions follow a broader government crackdown that has also criminalized the consumption of religious broadcasts.
Despite the increased pressure, the ministry reports 5,849 new professions of faith in 2026, suggesting that the underground church movement continues to expand. Open Doors currently ranks Iran 10th on its 2026 World Watch List, attributing the hostility toward Christians to Islamic oppression and the government's concerns regarding religious minorities. While the political landscape remains volatile following recent military conflicts, ministry leaders describe the ongoing conversions as a significant movement of faith occurring within the country.