Inextinguishable hope in Iran (Prayer Requests)

Open Doors UK ^ | 16 June 2026

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Whilst the preliminary agreement between Iran and the United States marks a significant and hugely welcome step towards ending conflict, it brings a new wave of anxiety for those inside Iran.

As external pressures ease, there are concerns that the Iranian regime may refocus its efforts on strengthening internal control and domestic repression, particularly against religious minorities and Christian converts.

There is also a real need to pray for individual Christians as they face some particularly pressing challenges:

* Sam Khosravi and Maryam Falahi - Years after adopting their daughter, Lydia, an Iranian court ruled that, because Lydia is considered Muslim by the state and her parents are Christian converts, their custody must be annulled. Fearing for her welfare, the family fled to Türkiye.

During a recent interview, Turkish immigration officials insisted the family must annul the Iranian court’s Sharia-based ruling – a task that is legally impossible as Turkish courts have no jurisdiction over Iranian court decisions. The family now faces the terrifying threat of Lydia being removed from their home by Turkish social welfare, leaving her without a family once again.

* Please also continue to pray for three women – Bahar Sahraian, Mary Mohammadi and Ghazal Marzban – who are suffering in prison having been silenced by the regime.

* However, there is some good news to report with the recent release of converts Ahmad Sarparast and Ayoob Poor-Rezazadeh, after serving five-year sentences. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness and a further reminder that He is answering prayers and moving even in the shadows.

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After the war, it seems as if something has collapsed deep within society. The atmosphere of the city and its people has become more insecure and feels heavier than ever. Most people no longer have hope for tomorrow. The silences have deepened.... Although a heavy sadness has settled in our hearts, and some nights it becomes difficult to breathe, it is precisely in this darkness that we experience the light of God more deeply.

Farhad* has experienced this, too, in his work as a ministry partner serving young people in Iran through online discipleship and mentoring.

I spoke with a few young people, I was so encouraged because I saw again how much of this is God’s grace. In the absence of internet, in the absence of church gatherings, the light of Christ is still shining.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)